vCRANO  LODCE<*UNITEO  STATES, 
OE  TtiElNDEPENOENT  ORDER  6F./J' 


tl  O  T  O 
1  O  I   O 


Bee  of  the  Grand  Sire 


WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  .TwZy  30,  1871. 
MESSRS.  Moss  &  Co. 

Philadelphia. 

GENTLEMEN  :  —  I  acknowledge,  with  pleasure,  the  receipt  of  your 
letter,  together  with  a  copy  of  "The  Odd-Fellows'  Text-Book  and 
Manual,"  for  which  accept  my  sincere  thanks.  I  cannot  with  any 
degree  of  propriety,  as  Grand  Sire,  endorse  the  "Manual  and  Text- 
Book,"  or  any  other  work  devoted  to  the  interests  of  the  Order. 
But  I  can,  and  do  say,  that  I  am,  and  ever  have  been  since  my 
connection  with  the  Order,  in  favor  of  all  publications  designed 
to  throw  light  upon  the  subject  of  Odd-Fellowship,  and  to  eluci- 
date its  principles.  When  the  "  Text-Book  and  Manual  "  is  thor- 
oughly revised  by  our  distinguished  Brother  Bertram,  I  am  well 
satisfied  that  it  will  present  to  the  Old  as  well  as  the  Young  Odd- 
Fellow,  and  to  all  who  may  make  it  a  study  —  a  valuable  book  of 
reference,  containing  much  useful  and  reliable  information  touch- 
ing the  Origin  of  the  Order,  its  objects,  the  duty  of  the  Officers 
and  Members  of  Lodges  and  Encampments,  and  other  matters 
with  which  Odd-Fellows,  particularly,  should  be  familiar.  I  think 
every  member  of  the  Order  should  be  in  possession  of  a  Manual. 


YONKERS,  N.  Y.,  June  13,  1807- 
MESSRS.  Moss  &  Co., 

Philadelphia. 

GENT.:  —  I  thankfully  acknowledge  the  receipt  from  you  of 
a  beautiful  bound  copy  of  the  "Odd  Fellows'  Text-Book  and 
Manual."  It  is  a  work  that  every  working  member  of  the  Order 
should  be  in  possession  of,  and  especially  the  younger  members, 
as  they  can  find  more  useful  and  instructive  knowledge  in  regard 
to  their  duties,  as  members,  or  as  officers  of  their  Lodges,  than 
in  any  other  work  that  has  come  under  my  observation  in  a  num- 
ber of  years.  I  trust,  gentlemen,  that  the  sale  of  this  work  may 
be  large,  and  that  you  may  be  amply  rewarded  for  your  efforts  to 
supply  the  Order  with  a  good  book,  and  believe  me 


FORTIETH    CONGRESS   U.  S. 


oj; 


WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  July  8th,  1867. 
DEAR  SIRS  : 

Arriving  here  a  few  days  ago,  I  found  awaiting  me  the 
beautifully  bound  copy  of  your  Odd-Fellows'  Text-Book  and 
Manual,  Revised  Edition  of  1867.  Some  twelve  or  fifteen  years 
have  elapsed  since  I  read  your  former  edition,  and  I  spent  two 
evenings  last  week  in  reading  it  again  in  its  present  improved 
and  attractive  form.  Interesting  and  instructive  as  it  is,  so 
worthy  a  companion  of  our  noble  ritual,  and  so  elegantly  embel- 
lished, it  will  be  an  ornament  to  every  Odd-Fellow's  Library, 
and  I  trust  will  be  found  in  thousands  of  them. 

Truly  and  fraternally  yours, 

To  Messrs.  Moss  &  Co.,  SCHUYLER  COLFAX. 

Philadelphia. 


New  Revised  and  Enlarged  Edition,  1878. 
THE 

ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK 

AND 

MANUAL. 

AN  ELUCIDATION  OF  THE 

THEOEY  OF  ODD-FELLOWSHIP; 

EMBRACING  A 

DETAIL  OF  THE  ORDER  IN  ALL  ITS  BRANCHES; 

WITH 

FORMS,  CEREMONIES,  FUNERAL  SERVICE,  AND  ODES  WITH  MUSIC, 

FOR  EVERY  OCCASION,  AND  A  MANUAL  OF  PRACTICE  FOR  THE 

GUIDANCE  OF  OFFICERS  AND  LODGES,  TOGETHER  WITH 

AN  ALPHABETICAL  TABLE  OF  PROPER  BIBLICAL 

NAMES  AND  THEIR  SIGNIFICATION. 

BY 

PASCHAL   DONALDSON, 

0.  D.  GRAND-MASTER    OF    THE    R.  W.  GRAND    LODGE    OF    NEW   YORK. 
REVISED  AND  CORRECTED  BY 

SAMUEL  F.  GWINNEE,  P.G.M.,  P.G.R., 

MEMBER  OF  NOCKAMlXON  LODGE,  NO.  536,  OF  PENNA. 


ni* 
jrlegani 


PHILADELPHIA: 
MOSS    &    COMPANY. 

1878. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1877,  by 

MOSS  A  COMPANY, 
in  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 

HENRY  B.  ASHMEAD,  PRINTER,  PHILADELPHIA. 


STACK 
ANNEX 

HS 


PUBLISHERS'  ANNOUNCEMENT 

OF   THE 

SEVENTEENTH  EDITION. 


IT  is  with  feelings  of  real  pleasure  that  the  Publishers 
of  the  Odd-Fellows'  Text-Book  announce  a  Seven- 
teenth Edition — which  has  been  issued  in  response  to  an 
imperative  demand  from  all  parts  of  the  country. 

Wherever  the  volume  has  gone,  it  has  met  with  warm 
appreciation  from  the  members  of  the  great  and  be- 
neficent Order,  the  principles  and  practice  of  which  it 
endeavors  to  represent.  That  the  work  has  within  its 
pages  information  on  all  that  is  essential,  with  much 
that  is  most  valuable,  to  the  Odd-Fellow,  is  abundantly 
attested  by  the  gratifying  letters  received  by  the  Pub- 
lishers from  men  representing  every  degree  of  Odd- 
Fellowship. 


PREFACE 

TO  THE  SEVENTEENTH  EDITION. 


THE  approbation  the  "  Odd-Fellows'  Text-Book  " 
has  received  from  the  great  fraternity  for  whom  it 
was  prepared,  has  been  proved  by  the  rapid  and 
large  sale  of  the  previous  editions  of  the  work,  a? 
well  as  by  the  commendation  of  many  distinguished 
members  of  the  Order.  The  numerous  changes 
rendered  necessary  by  the  legislation  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  United  States  have  been  carefully 
made  in  the  present  volume,  and  the  Publishers 
have  the  satisfaction  of  believing  that  they  again 
offer  to  the  Order  the  most  perfect  work  on  Odd- 
Fellowship  to  be  found  at  the  present  time. 

In  the  various  revisions  which  changes  in  the 
organic  laws  have  made  necessary,  the  original 
design  of  the  Author  has  been  carefully  preserved, 
by  rendering  the  work  in  all  its  parts  useful  and 
clear  to  every  member  of  the  Order,  yet  so  inge- 
niously blended  with  the  text,  that  it  may  be  profit- 
ably read  by  every  member  of  the  family  circle,  as  a 
work  of  great  interest,  and  fraught  with  good  coun- 
sel in  all  the  duties  of  life. 

PHILADELPHIA,  January  1878. 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

INTRODUCTION  6 

Schuyler  Colfax,  author  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah   9 

HISTORY  AND  TENDENCY  OF  ODD-FELLOWSHIP 13 

CHAPTER  I. — General  Remarks  —  Our  Mysteries — Origin  of 

the  Order — History  —  Antiquity 13 

CHAPTER  II. —  Origin  of  the  Order  in  America 26 

CHAPTER  III. —  Principles  and  Tendency  of  Odd-Fellowship     39 

The  Organization  of  Odd-Fellowship 49 

A  Word  to  the  Neophyte 54 

The  Subordinate  Lodge 55 

Order  of  Business 62 

Rules  of  Order  for  Subordinate  Lodges 62 

THE  OFFICERS  OF  A  LODGE 66 

The  Noble-Grand 66 

The  Vice-Grand 69 

The  Secretary 70 

The  Assistant  Secretary 72 

The  Treasurer 73 

The  Conductor 74 

The  Warden  —  The  Guardians 75 

The  Supporters  — The  Chaplain  — The  Junior  P.  G 76 

The  Gavel..... 77 

THE  COMMITTEES 77 

Of  Relief 77 

Of  Investigation  —  Of  Finance 80 

On  Claims— Of  Trustees  81 

Of  Investigation  and  Trials 82 

Payment  of  Dues 83 

Attendance  at  the  Lodge ; 85 

Behavior  in  the  Lodge 86 

Behavior  out  of  the  Lodge    87 

Duty  of  one  Member  toward  Another 88 

Charity  should  distinguish  Odd-Fellows 92 

Proposal  of  Candidates 96 

Discipline  of  Odd-Fellowship 99 

Principles  of  Odd-Fellowship 103 

Opening  and  Closing  a  Lodge 108 

Degrees  and  Degree  Lodges Ill 

Past-official  Degrees,  etc 113 

Subordinate  Encampments 114 

GRAND  LODGES  AND  GRAND  ENCAMPMENTS 117 

Grand  Lodges 119 

Grand  Encampments 123 

The  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States 126 

Organization  of  Lodges,  etc.,  and  Installation  of  Officers 131 

An  Odd-Fellow's  Counsel:  in  Nine  Chapters 134 

3 


4  CONTENTS. 

PACE 

An  Gild-Fellow's  Counsel:  concluded 179 

Secrecy I'.'l 

THE  EMBLKMS  OF  THE  ORDER lt'9 

Of  the  Initiatory  Degree IS) it 

Of  the  White  Degree 201 

Of  the  Covenant  Degree  —  Of  the  Royal-Blue  Degree 202 

Of  the  Degree  of  Remembrance  —  Of  the  Scnrlet  Degree 204 

Of  the  Patriarchal  Degree—  Of  the  Golden-Rule  Degree....  206 

Of  the  Royal  Purple  Degree 207 

THF.  JKWKI.S  AND  REGALIA  OF  THF.  ORDKR 2"S 

Of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  Smt- -s 203 

Of  a  State  Grand  Lodge 2<i9 

Of  a  Grand  Encampment 210 

Of  a  Subordinate  Lodge 212 

The  A.  T.  P.  W 216 

Cards.. 217 

Brotbers  Travelling 219 

Resolutions  of  Grand  Lodge  of  U.  S.  on  Dismissal  Certificates 220 

Ceremony  of  Laying  the  Corner-Stone  of  an  Odd-Fellows'  Hall 222 

Ceremony  of  Laying  the  Corner-Stone  of  a  Church,  Academy,  or 

other  Public  Edifice .' 228 

Form  of  Dedication  of  an  Odd-Fellows'  Hall,  or  Lodge- Room 229 

Form  of  Dedication  of  a  Cemetery,  or  Burial  Lot 238 

Public  Installation  of  Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodges 244 

Funeral  Ceremonies 263 

Hymns  for  Funeral  Service 268,  269 

Ceremony  at  the  Celebration  of  the  Anniversary  of  the  Order 270 

Ceremony  of  Form  for  Presenting  a  Banner  to  a  Lodge 277 

Forms  for  Processions 280 

Rules  for  Subordinate  Lodges  and  D.  D.  Grand-Masters  in  Corre- 
sponding with  the  Grand  Lodge  on  Questions  of  Law  and  Usage  284 

Application  for  Degrees 286 

The  Degree  of  Rebekah 287 

Addressed  to  the  Ladies 293 

To  the  Uninitiated 300 

Odd-Fellowship  and  Patriotism 309 

Odd-Fellowship  and  Religion 310 

An  Address  for  the  Use  of  Odd-Fellows 311 

ODES  FOR  SEVERAL  IMPORTANT  OCCASIONS 334 

The  Odd-Fellows'  Temple 334 

Anniversary  Ode 335 

Consecration  Ode 337 

The  Burial 338 

Odd-Fellows'  Parting  Hymn 339 

A  Manual-  of  Practice  for  the  Guidance  of  Presiding  Officers  and 

Members  of  Lodges,  etc 340 

Rules  of  Order  for  Grand  Lodges 349 

Condition  of  the  Order  in  1877 354 

Statistics  of  American  Odd  Fellowship 357 

Odd-Fellowship 361 

Odd-Fellowship  in  Foreign  Countries 365 

Buried  by  Odd-Fellows 368 

Odd-Fellowship— What  is  it? 369 

A  Lexicon  of  Proper  Names  in  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  with 

their  Correct  Pronunciation  and  Leading  Signification 379 


INTRODUCTION 
TO    THE  TENTH  EDITION. 


THE  Order  of  Odd-Fellows  is  the  largest  secret 
association  of  the  age.  It  has  done,  and  is  still  doing, 
more  real  service  in  the  cause  of  humanity  than  all 
other  similar  fraternities.  It  is  in  fact,  if  we  except 
the  ancient  and  sublime  Order  of  Masonry,  the  best 
human  institution  ever  devised.  Its  extraordinary 
success  has  proved  this  assertion ;  for  it  has  been 
literally  as  the  grain  of  mustard-seed  that  was  planted, 
from  which  has  grown  the  tree  whose  branches  now 
overshadow  the  land,  and  whose  fruits  are  everywhere 
seen  in  the  good  it  dispenses  among  mankind.  From 
town  to  town,  from  city  to  city,  from  state  to  state, 
has  this  Order  spread,  and  thousands  upon  thousands 
of  the  best  men  of  our  nation  have  been  gathered  to 
its  folds.  Wherever  its  banner  has  been  unfurled, 
hundreds  have  flocked  to  it,  and  wherever  its  principles 
have  been  promulgated,  the  virtuous  and  the  good 

have  embraced  them.     Its  march  has,  indeed,  been 
l*  5 


6  INTRODUCTION  TO  THE  TENTH  EDITION. 

that  of  a  conqueror,  though  joy  and  happiness,  instead 
of  sorrow  and  misery,  have  followed  in  its  train. 
Virtue  and  morality  have  gone  with  it,  and  vice  and 
iniquity  have  been  rebuked  by  it.  The  hand  of  its 
benevolence  and  charity  has  been  extended  to  succor 
the  needy  and  to  dry  up  the  tear  of  the  afflicted. 
The  widow  in  her  solitude  has  called  down  blessings 
upon  it,  and  the  orphan  has  learned  in  gratitude  tc 
speak  its  praise.  "  Hand  hath  been  linked  with  hand 
in  its  Friendship,  heart  hath  bounded  unto  heart  in  its 
Love,  and  error  and  superstition  have  fallen  before  its 
Truth." 

Nor  have  its  advantages  been  confined  to  this  Union. 
Many  of  its  members,  having  realized  its  power  for 
good  at  home,  have  carried  it  with  them  to  other 
places,  and  introduced  its  blessings  among  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  islands  of  the  sea.  At  Honolulu,  for 
instance,  in  the  Sandwich  Islands,  the  missionaries 
of  Odd-Fellowship  have  established  the  Order ;  and  a 
recent  appeal  to  the  Lodges  of  the  States  for  the 
purpose  of  aiding  it  in  those  islands,  has  met  with 
a  universal  response,  that  does  honor  to  the  heart 
of  the  fraternity.  Grand  Secretary  RIDGELY,  who 
was  instructed  by  the  late  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United 
States  to  make  the  appeal,  informs  us  that  this  re- 
sponse is  such  as  to  cheer  the  soul  of  every  brother, 
and  to  make  him  proud  of  this  glorious  association. 

The  importance  of  this  Society  is  becoming  more 
and  more  a  ppreciatod.  Persons,  in  every  place.,  hearing 


INTRODUCTION   TO   THE   TENTH    EDITION.  I 

of  its  rapid  progress,  and  seeing  the  influence  for  good 
it  is  exerting  in  communities,  are  inquiring  into  its 
history  and  character.  Its  members  are  asking  to  be 
made  better  acquainted  with  it :  they  are  seeking  for 
light  on  a  variety  of  subjects  connected  with  the  insti- 
tution. "  What  is  Odd-Fellowship  ?"  is  the  general 
inquiry.  Let  us  know  its  origin,  its  advancement,  its 
laws  and  usages.  Give  us  such  information  on  the 
subject  as  may,  without  any  violation  of  the  obligations 
we  have  taken,  be  presented  to  our  wives,  our  children, 
our  friends.  We  desire  that  all  shall  know,  as  we 
have  been  taught,  its  excellence. 

To  answer  this  very  general  demand,  this  book  was 
written.  Other  works,  the  periodicals  of  the  Order, 
have  circulated  widely  and  defended  and  explained 
the  cause  ably ;  but  a  Text-book,  that  should  embrace, 
in  a  convenient  form,  all  the  information  desirable, 
was  still  wanting.  Influential  members  of  the  Lodges 
in  various  sections  suggested  the  idea  to  the  publishers 
of  this  volume.  The  evidence  of  its  entire  success  is 
found  in  the  fact  that  twenty-five  thousand  copies  have 
been  sold,  while  the  demand  daily  increases. 

The  work  has  been  carefully  revised  by  the  author, 
and  several  important  additions,  required  by  the  pro- 
gress of  the  fraternity,  have  been  made.  Among  these, 
the  new  and  beautiful  "  Degree  of  Rebekah"  has 
been  judiciously  explained,  and  all  proper  information 
relative  thereto  presented. 


b  INTRODUCTION   TO   THE   TENTH    EDITION. 

The  embellishments,  which  have  been  engraved 
anew  on  steel,  in  Mr.  ILLMAN'S  best  style,  are  a 
prominent  feature  of  the  work.  They  are  considered 
by  good  judges  to  be  the  best  pictures  ever  presented 
in  an  Odd-Fellows'  book. 

P.  DONALDSON. 

PHILADELPHIA,  10th  August,  1853. 


SCHUYLER  COLFAX, 

THE  AUTHOR  OP  THE  DEGREE  OF  REBEKAH. 


SCHUYLER  COLFAX  was  born  in  the  city  of  New 
York,  on  the  23d  of  March,  1823.  He  is  descended 
from  General  Schuyler  and  Captain  Colfax,  both  Revo- 
lutionary soldiers,  and  is  also  connected  with  the  Dela- 
meters  and  Vrooms,  of  New  Jersey.  At  the  age  of 
thirteen  he  removed  to  Indiana,  where  he  served  an  ap- 
prenticeship to  the  printing  business,  and  later  in  life  he 
became  editor  and  publisher  of  the  "St.  Joseph's  Valley 
Register,"  published  at  South  Bend.  He  was  an  influ- 
ential member  of  the  old  Whig  party  until  its  disrup- 
tion, when  he  joined  the  Republican  party,  of  which  he 
became  at  once  an  acknowledged  leader.  In  1854  he 
was  elected  to  Congress,  and  has  been  successively  re- 
turned by  increased  majorities.  In  1863  he  was  selected 
as  the  Republican  candidate  for  Speaker  of  the  House 
of  Representatives,  and  was  elected  by  a  majority  of 
eighteen  votes.  In  1865  and  1867  he  was  re-elected 
Speaker,  a  position  he  continues  to  fill  with  dignity  and 
impartiality. 

In  personal  appearance  he  is  below  the  medium 
height,  has  dark  eyes  and  hair,  and  a  large  forehead. 
He  is  a  fluent  speaker,  distinct  in  his  utterance,  and 


10  SCHUYLER    COLFAX. 

impressive  in  manner.  In  his  social  intercourse  he  ia 
courteous  and  affable  to  all  who  approach  him. 

We  are  unable  to  state  the  precise  date  at  which 
Brother  COLFAX  became  a  member  of  the  Fraternity 
of  Odd-Fellows ;  but  we  have  reason  to  suppose  that  he 
was  initiated  some  time  in  the  year  1846.  The  Lodge 
at  South  Bend,  Indiana,  where  he  was  received,  was 
organized  in  that  year.  Neither  do  we  know  the  times 
when  he  served  in  the  subordinate  offices  and  as  the 
N.  G.  of  his  Lodge.  We  have  ascertained,  from  the 
records  of  the  Grand  Lodge  and  Grand  Encampment 
of  Indiana,  that  in  July,  1849,  he  was  received  a  mem- 
ber of  those  bodies  at  Indianapolis;  and  that  on  the 
very  day  of  his  initiation  therein  he  was  elected  from 
the  latter  a  representative  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
United  States.  During  his  term  of  office  in  the  National 
Grand  Lodge,  he  was  emphatically  a  working  man ;  and, 
though  he  made  no  effort  to  signalize  himself  by  speech- 
ifying, he  was  speedily  before  the  representatives  as  a 
prominent  member. 

At  the  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United 
States,  held  in  Cincinnati,  O.,  in  September,  1850,  Grand 
Rep.  Colfax,  with  P.  G.  Sire  Kennedy,  of  New  York, 
and  Judge  Larue,  of  New  Orleans,  as  associates,  was 
appointed,  by  Grand-Sire  Griffin,  the  chairman  of  the 
legislative  committee.  Previously,  Brother  Colfax  had 
suggested  his  idea  of  the  Ladies'  Degree.  This,  which 
was  of  course  referred  to  the  legislative  committee,  was 
negatived  by  the  majority  of  that  trio;  and  Rep.  Colfax 
made  a  sensible  and  ingenious  minority  report  in  favor 
of  the  Degree,  showing  the  reasons  why  he  deemed  it 


SCHUYLER   COLFAX.  11 

expedient.  The  Grand  Lodge  of  the  State  he  repre- 
sented had  passed  the  first  resolution  in  favor  of  such  a 
Degree  that  had  ever  been  adopted  in  the  Order,  and 
Brother  C.,  in  urging  its  passage,  seconded  the  earnest 
wish  of  his  constituents.  The  records  show  that  this 
minority  report  of  Brother  Colfax  prevailed;  that  it 
was  adopted  by  a  majority  of  twelve;  and  that  the 
mover  was  appointed  chairman  of  the  committee  to  pre- 
pare the  Degree.  In  September,  1851,  he  reported  the 
Degree  of  jRebekah,  which,  after  some  discussion,  was 
adopted  by  a  respectable  majority. 

The  new  Degree  encountered  on  the  floor  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  a  warm  but  honest  opposition.  It  was  contended 
that  there  was  no  necessity  for  such  an  addition, — that  it 
was  a  dangerous  innovation, — that  the  building  of  Odd- 
Fellowship  was  already  completely  finished,  and  the 
cap-stone  laid.  Some,  also,  desired  that  final  action 
should  be  deferred,  in  order  that  the  subject  might  be 
referred  to  the  Lodges  for  consideration.  The  friends 
of  the  Degree,  however,  prevailed  over  all  amendments, 
and  it  was  finally  passed,  and  became  a  portion  of  the 
work  of  the  Order. 

In  the  period  which  has  elapsed  since  its  introduction, 
this  Degree  has  accomplished  for  the  Order  more  than 
was  claimed  for  it  by  its  early  advocates ;  and  many  of 
those  who  opposed  it,  convinced  by  the  universal  favor 
with  which  it  has  been  received,  have  become  its  warmest 
advocates  and  most  earnest  supporters. 

The  Degree  of  Rebekah,  which  has  now  been  in  opera- 
tion since  January,  1852,  has  already  won  the  approval 
and  admiration  of  the  Fraternity.  The  Odd-Fellows' 


12  SCHUYLER    COLFAX. 

press,  without  a  single  exception,  has  endorsed  it  as  on 
of  the  best  and  most  desirable  improvements  of  the 
Order.  Thousands  of  ladies  have  already  availed  them- 
selves of  its  privileges,  and  thousands  more  are  ready 
to  receive  them.  It  is  chaste,  beautifully  written,  and 
admirably  adapted  to  the  object  it  designs  to  effect 
Brother  Colfax  deserves,  as  he  has  received,  the  sincere 
thanks  of  the  Fraternity  for  this  ornament  to  the  build- 
ing which  our  fathers  framed. 

The  frontispiece  which  adorns  the  present  volume 
was  engraved  by  Mr.  Samuel  Sartain,  from  a  recent 
photograph.  That  it  is  a  faithful  likeness  of  one  of 
our  most  distinguished  members,  the  following  letter 
testifies : — 

"WASHINGTON,  B.C.,  Feb.  2,  1867. 
"Messrs.  Moss  &  Co.,  Philadelphia. 

"DEAR  SIRS: — The  engraving  you  send  me  is  the 
most  lifelike  I  have  ever  seen.  If  I  had  been  with  Mr. 
Sartaiu  when  he  engraved  it,  he  could  not  have  made 
the  likeness  more  striking. 

"Yours,  truly, 

"  SCHUYLER  COLFAX.  ' 


THE 

ODD-FELLO¥S'  TEXT-BOOK. 


THE   HISTORY   AND   TENDENCY   OF 
ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 


CHAPTER  I. 

GENERAL  REMARKS— OUR  MYSTERIES— ORIGIN  OF  THE 
ORDER—  HISTORY— ANTIQ.UITY. 

As  love  and  regard  grow  out  of  contact  and  com- 
munion, so,  by  an  unalterable  law  of  our  moral  consti- 
tution, men  naturally  behold  with  indifference,  if  not 
with  aversion  and  prejudice,  objects  which  seem  to 
hold  no  sympathy  with  them,  and  from  whose  con- 
cerns they  are  shut  out,  as  it  were,  by  a  wall.  These 
influences  it  is  our  duty  to  our  Order  as  far  as  possible 
to  remove :  moreover,  we  owe  an  explanation  to  soci- 
ety at  large ;  for  wherever  the  conventional  compact 
exists,  men  are  deeply  interested  in  any  organization 
which  is  formed,  or  any  principle  which  is  agitated 
among  them,  as  ultimately  it  must  have  a  good  or  evil 
bearing  upon  themselves.  We  declare,  then,  at  once, 
that  the  whole  scope  and  object  of  our  association  is  to 
make  its  members  wiser  and  better  men,  —  by  the 
equality  and  condition  which  it  supposes,  to  break 
down  and  soften  the  arrogance  and  selfishness  of  the 

human  heart  —  to  subdue   the  asperities  of  sects   and 
2  13 


14  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

parties  —  to  inculcate  charity  and  brotherly  love — to 
strengthen  and  invigorate  all  the  relations  in  which  man 
can  be  contemplated,  toward  himself,  his  family,  his 
neighbor,  his  country,  his  GOD.  And  to  these  ends 
our  institution  appeals  directly  to  his  social,  the  strong- 
est of  all  man's  instincts.  We  are  simply  a  society  for 
mutual  improvement  in  virtue,  religion,  and  sound 
morals;  and  for  the  practice  of  a  judicious,  well-di- 
rected, and  efficient  charity.  We  bring  to  the  aid  of 
this  honorable  pursuit  the  principle  of  social  combina- 
tion ;  the  same  principle  of  activity  and  energy  which 
has  been  applied  to  all  pursuits,  whether  industrial  or 
moral.  It  is  the  remark  of  an  acute  and  philosophical 
observer,  that  the  "  political  associations  which  exist 
in  the  United  States  are  only  a  single  feature  in  the 
midst  of  the  immense  assemblage  of  associations  in 
that  country Americans  of  all  ages,  all  condi- 
tions, ai/d  all  dispositions,  constantly  form  associations. 
They  have  not  only  commercial  and  manufacturing 
companies,  in  which  all  take  part,  but  associations  of 
all  other  kinds,  religious,  moral,  serious,  beneficial, 
etc.  If  it  be  proposed  to  advance  some  truth,  or  to 
foster  some  feeling,  by  the  encouragement  of  a  great 
example,  they  form  a  society."  These  reflections 
evince  the  strong  necessity  of  moral,  as  well  as  other 
combinations,  to  advance  the  great  cause  of  human 
improvement ;  and  even  were  Odd-Fellowship  a  thing 
of  yesterday,  we  might  derive  from  them  a  sanction 
for  the  institution  we  are  seeking  to  enlarge  and  per- 
petuate. 

Our  "  mysteries"  are  objected  to  by  some,  who 
would  confound  us  in  this  respect  with  those  secret  as- 
sociations which,  at  various  eras,  have  scourged  the 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  15 

world :  yet  our  reasons  for  adopting  them  seem  to  us 
simple  and  satisfactory  :  for  our  "  mystic  signs,"  with- 
out the  medium  of  a  common  language,  bind  in  their 
golden  chain  the  tongues  and  tribes  of  all  the  earth. 
They  are  a  safeguard  against  intrusion,  and  a  protec- 
tion from  the  imposition  of  the  depraved  and  aban 
doned.  They  may  make  our  connection  more  inti- 
mate and  prevent  our  labors  from  being  regarded  with 
the  indifference  which  familiarity  always  begets.  In 
every  age  of  the  world  we  may  trace  institutions,  whe- 
ther formed  for  mutual  protection,  or  the  prosecution 
of  some  useful  branch  of  knowledge,  to  whose  pro- 
ceedings the  broad  seal  of  secrecy  has  been  affixed, 
the  better  to  shield  their  labors  from  the  ravages  of 
prejudice  and  ignorance.  Thus,  in  the  infancy  of  Sci- 
ence, her  votaries  bound  themselves  by  a  solemn  vow 
to  reveal  to  none  but  the  initiated  her  nascent  glories  ; 
and  Religion,  throwing  around  the  laboratory  of  Sci- 
ence and  Art  her  solemn  sanctions,  seized  the  mystic 
union  of  Mind  as  an  agent  in  enforcing  the  morals  of 
her  creed.  Dark  and  unsatisfying  as  those  teachings 
were,  they  tended  to  impart  that  regard  for  moral  asso- 
ciation which  would  present  motives  for  perseverance 
in  the  acquisition  of  useful  knowledge.  In  this  early 
age  of  the  world  and  under  these  auspices,  it  is  said, 
was  laid  the  foundation-stone  of  the  celebrated  "  Eleu- 
synian  Mysteries,"  about  which  so  much  has  been  said, 
and  so  little  is  really  known :  and,  though  we  admit 
their  subsequent  perversion  to  the  worst  purposes,  in 
that  primitive  age,  they  embodied  the  perfection  of  the 
moral  code  then  known.  At  the  period  referred  to 
and  for  ages  subsequent,  Egypt  was  the  seat  of  sci- 
ence ;  and  the  learned  of  every  nation  crowded  her 


16  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

temples,  and  sought  admission  to  her  mysteries  —  for 
in  them  alone  were  the  undimmed  beauties  of  knowl- 
edge permitted  to  shine.  Homer,  Lycurgus,  Plato, 
Thales,  Euclid,  and  a  long  roll  of  remembered  names, 
were  initiated  by  the  Egyptian  priests,  and  returned 
home  laden  with  the  wisdom  which  the  world  then 
possessed.  A  branch  of  this  institution  was  trans- 
planted into  Greece,  by  the  Egyptian  Cecrops,  the 
founder  of  Athens  ;  and  into  Judea,  doubtless  by  those 
wise  men  who  built  the  temple  of  Solomon  ;  and  thus 
by  degrees  the  mysteries  passed  into  most  of  the  East- 
ern nations,  and  thence  into  other  countries.  Some 
have  charged  the  excesses  of  the  feasts  of  Bacchus, 
and  the  other  abominable  rites  of  heathenism,  to  this 
association.  They  were  in  no  manner  connected  with 
them,  but  were  the  result  of  vile  imitations,  of  which, 
at  this  distant  day,  we  can  form  no  proper  conception. 
Following  in  the  line  of  history,  through  all  subsequent 
periods,  we  perceive  similar  associations,  modified  by 
time  and  the  religious  customs  of  the  countries  in 
which  they  existed,  no  doubt  shoots  of  the  luxuriant 
stem  that  flourished  in  the  nursery  of  young  Science. 
The  " Dionysian  Artificers"  " Esscnes"  "Kasade- 
ans"  "  Fraternity  of  Builders"  and,  finally,  the 
"Fraternity  of  Ancient  York  Masons" — all  these 
are  only  modifications  through  which  the  principle 
of  secret  social  union  has  passed  down  to  us  from  an- 
tiquity. We  refer  to  these  societies,  because  the  rec- 
ord of  their  existence  is  more  clear  and  distinct  than 
that  of  many  others  whose  memory  is  lost  in  oblivion. 
In  truth,  the  mementoes  of  the  principle  of  secret  asso- 
ciation are  impressed  upon  our  very  language  in  vari- 
ous forms.  Thus,  not  to  go  farther,  we  hear,  E.S  a 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  17 

common  expression,  of  the  mystery  of  particular  trades 
in  which  the  master  binds  himself  to  instruct  his  ap- 
prentice ;  by  which  we  are  distinctly  referred  to  the 
fact  in  the  history  of  modern  Europe,  that  when  Art 
began  her  infant  struggles  against  feudal  oppression, 
her  first  acquisitions  were  fenced  in  and  protected  by 
the  bonds  of  mystic  union.  Her  accomplishments  were 
mysteries  to  which  the  initiated  only  advanced  by  de- 
grees, and  under  the  solemn  compact  to  preserve  them 
inviolate.  By  these  aids  did  she,  with  her  handmaid 
Commerce,  contribute  to  raise  a  noble  fabric  of  Eng- 
lish civilization,  which  has  braved  the  storms  of  a 
thousand  years.  The  societies  of  the  ancient  Druids 
furnish  another  example  of  the  force  of  the  social  prin- 
ciple. They,  too,  had  their  temples  of  mystic  sci- 
ence, the  humanizing  influence  of  which  probably  pre- 
served their  history  from  the  stain  of  human  sacrifice  : 
ind,  even  among  the  aborigines  of  our  own  continent, 
small,  select  compacts  are  said  to  exist,  bound  by  the 
seal  of  secrecy,  who  communicate  by  signs,  and  insist 
that  their  societies  have  existed  from  eternity.  The 
most  interesting  of  these  is  found  among  the  Iroquois  ; 
it  consists  of  five  Oneidas,  two  Cuayagas,  two  Saint 
Regis,  and  six  Senecas.  It  is  thus  avouched,  that  the 
natural,  as  well  as  the  civilized  man,  seeks  a  more  in- 
timate and  endearing  connection  with  his  fellow  than 
is  secured  by  the  common  usages  of  society.  Let  it 
not  be  objected,  lhat  to  secret  associations  may  be  as- 
cribed frauds,  iniquities,  and  oppressions,  the  darkest 
that  stain  the  page  of  history.  Thus,  we  have  not  for 
gotten  the  "  Rosa  Croix"  or  "  Brothers  of  Exalted 
Deiv,"  the  "  Carbonari  of  Italy  "  or  the  "  German 
llluminati,"  —  wretches  who  paled  the  very  cheek  of 
2*  B 


18  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

night  with  their  atrocities  ;  nor  the  Thugs  of  India, 
more  recently  discovered,  where  the  bond  of  union 
was  cemented  with  human  blood  —  among  whom  mur- 
der and  robbery  were  accounted  degrees  of  honor,  and 
who  for  centuries  had  been  applying  the  knot  and 
cord  to  their  victims  indiscriminately,  and  without  dis- 
covery or  suspicion.  Let  it  be  remembered  that  these 
societies  were  really  secret  in  their  character  :  that  the 
members  were  unknown  ;  that  their  places  of  meeting 
were  concealed  ;  their  purposes  infamous  :  we  might 
as  well  conclude  all  government  unjust  and  oppres- 
sive, because  the  despotism  of  the  Old  World  deprived 
men  of  their  inalienable  rights,  as  to  charge  a  sound 
system  of  moral  union  with  the  vices  and  evils  of  cor- 
rupt association. 

With  regard  to  the  origin  of  Odd-Fellowship,  we 
claim  for  it  a  high  antiquity.  At  a  meeting  of  breth- 
ren, held  in  the  Greenock  district,  Scotland,  in  1840, 
Brother  COOPER,  a  gentleman  fully  conversant  with 
his  subject,  remarked  that  our  Order  was  first  estab- 
lished by  the  Roman  soldiers,  in  camp,  during  the 
reign  of  Nero,  in  the  year  55.  "  At  that  time,"  says 
Brother  COOPER,  "  they  were  called  Fellow-Citizens  ; 
and  the  present  name  was  given  by  Titus  Caesar,  in 
the  year  79,  from  the  singularity  of  their  notions,  and 
from  their  knowing  each  other  by  night  or  by  day ; 
and  from  their  fidelity  to  him  and  their  country,  he 
not  only  gave  them  the  name  of  Odd  Fellows,  but  at 
(he  same  time,  as  a  pledge  of  friendship,  presented 
them  with  a  dispensation,  engraved  on  a  plate  of 
gold,  bearing  different  emblems  —  such  as  the  suu, 
moon,  stars,  the  lamb,  the  lion,  the  dove,  and  other 
emblems  of  mortality/' 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK  19 

The  first  accounts  of  the  Order  being  spread  in 
other  countries  are  in  the  fifth  century,  when  it  was 
established  in  the  Spanish  dominions  ;  and  >n  the  sixth 
century,  by  King  Henry,  in  Portugal.  In  the  twelfth 
century  it  was  established  in  France  ;  and  afterward 
by  John  de  Neville  in  England,  attended  by  five 
knights  from  France,  who  formed  a  "  Loyal  Grand 
Lodge  of  Honor"  in  London,  which  remained  until 
the  eighteenth  century  (in  the  reign  of  George  III.), 
when  a  part  of  them  began  to  form  themselves  into  a 
Union  ;*  and  a  portion  of  these  remain  up  to  this  day. 
The  Lodges  which  have  arisen  from  these  several  or- 
ganizations are  numerous  throughout  the  world,  and 
have  been  called,  at  different  periods,  by  the  names  of 
the  "  Loyal  Ancient  Odd-Fellows"  the  "  Union  Odd- 
Fellows"  and  the  "  Manchester  Unity  Odd-Fellows" 
This  last  is  of  more  recent  date,  and  there  is  no  doubt 
of  its  emanation  from  the  original  sources  above-named. 
Its  first  introduction  into  Manchester  was  about  the 
year  1800,  by  a  few  individuals  from  the  "  Union  "  in 
London,  who  formed  themselves  into  a  Lodge,  and 
continued  in  connection  with  the  "Union"  Order  for 
a  time,  when  some  differences  caused  a  separation, 
and  the  Association  declared  itself  independent;  hence 
we  now  have  the  "  Independent  Order  of  Odd-Fellows." 
— They  have  kept  their  word  —  "independent"  they 
have  been  since  this  "  difference  :"  and  they  have 
progressed  in  number,  in  talent,  and  in  respectability  ; 
at  this  moment  the  banner  of  Odd-Fellowship  proudly 
floats  in  many  a  clime,  waving  over  the  ruins  of  pov- 

»  It  is  due  to  truth  and  candor  to  remark,  that  there  is  no 
doubt  the  earlier  Lodges  of  Odd-Fellows  in  England  were  of  a 
coniivud  character. 


20  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

erty  and  sadness.  The  genius  of  benevolence  may  be 
seen  pointing  the  way  where  sorrow  may  be  solaced, 
and  poverty  ameliorated.  Observe  the  immense  num- 
ber of  Odd-Fellows  in  Great  Britain,  in  the  United 
States,  in  Holland,  Germany,  Spain,  and  even  in  New 
South  Wales,  Gibraltar,  and  Malta :  in  short,  from  the 
burning  rays  of  the  torrid  to  the  cheerless  sky  of 
the  frigid  zone,  and  in  "  the  islands  of  the  seas,"  an 
Odd-Fellow  may  find  a  brother.  Witness  the  Frater- 
nity in  California,  as  an  example  of  the  beneficent  pur- 
poses of  the  Odd-Fellows.  What  have  they  not  done 
for  the  poor,  the  friendless,  the  sick,  and  the  dis- 
tressed ?  How  many,  who  have  gone  hence  with  high 
hopes  and  fair  prospects  —  who  expected  to  bring  from 
the  "land  of  promise"  the  golden  substance  that  was, 
in  their  own  hopeful  imagination,  to  make  them  for 
ever  invulnerable  (pecuniarily)  to  the  numerous  "ills 
that  flesh  is  heir  to,"  but  had  fallen,  half-way  between 
their  starting-point  and  their  goal  —  have  been  raised 
from  wretchedness  by  the  kindly  offices  and  sym- 
pathy of  the  Odd-Fellow,  and  restored  to  the  home 
which  they  abandoned  for  what  proved,  to  them,  truly 
an  ignis  fatuns  !  Yet  these  are  by  no  means  solitary 
examples.  The  history  of  Odd-Fellowship  is  full  of 
similar  acts. 

But,  with  all  due  respect  for  Brother  COOPER'S  in- 
teresting statement,  concerning  the  origin  of  the  Order, 
we  must  be  permitted,  to  remark,  that,  while  we  will 
not  deny  its  authenticity,  we  have  very  little  concern 
in  regard  to  the  antiquity  of  Odd -Fellowship.  We 
are  for  principles,  rather  than  dates,  and  more  disposed 
to  inquire  what  the  Order  is  than  when  it  originated. 
There  is  a  disposition  in  many  minds  to  view  with  a 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.      21 

kind  of  sacredness  that  which  bears  the  stamp  of  an- 
tiquity. Forgetting  that 

"  The  Old  yields  always  to  the  New," 

they  often  honor  and  revere  systems  and  institutions, 
simply  because  they  are  "  ancient."  We  are  free  to 
say  —  even  though  the  assertion  may  subject  us  to  the 
charge  of  heterodoxy — that  in  our  view  Odd-Fellow- 
ship would  be  no  better,  as  a  Fraternity  simply,  if  it 
were  as  old  as  the  bow  of  heaven,  or  the  everlasting 
hills.  We  contend  that  the  principles  on  which  it  is 
founded,  the  objects  it  has  in  view,  and  the  good  influ- 
ences that  it  exerts  among  men,  are  matters  much  more 
important  than  its  "  venerable  age."  Why  should  we 
glorify  the  past  ?  Let  us  for  a  moment  consider  this 
matter.  What  has  man  accomplished  in  modern  days, 
which  man  in  ancient  times  never  dreamed  of  attempt- 
ing !  There  is  no  more  of  the  subtle,  indefinable  light 
now  than  there  was  when  the  Almighty  created  it ;  but 
neither  the  wise  Babel-builders,  nor  Diana's  craftsmen, 
nor  the  Grecian  or  Roman  philosophers  and  sages, 
understood,  as  Newton  did,  how  to  analyze,  dissect, 
and  subdivide  it,  as  the  anatomist  divides  his  subject. 
The  materials  that  compose  the  deadly  gunpowder  all 
lay  in  their  secret  chambers,  when  Samson  slew  his 
thousands  with  the  jaw-bone,  and  Shamgar  put  to 
death  six  hundred  men  in  a  day  with  an  ox-goad  ;  yet 
not  until  the  fourteenth  century  of  the  Christian  era 
was  it  sent  out,  by  Schwartz,  of  Germany,  in  its  rear 
and  blasting,  to  terrify  and  destroy.  Water  would  fly 
off  in  steam,  and  was  as  capable  of  generating  this  po- 
tent agent  in  the  days  of  the  battering-rams,  and  the 


22  THE  ODD-FELLOWS    TEXT-BOOK. 

sluggish  Grecian  ships,  as  it  is  at  the  present  time  ;  but 
it  was  left  for  Watt,  and  Fitch,  and  Fulton,  to  "  give 
it  the  wings  of  the  wind  and  the  energies  of  Jupiter." 
From  the  day  that  clouds,  mingled  with  fire  and  smoke, 
rolled  in  fleecy  volumes  over  Sinai's  summit,  the  light- 
nings have  shattered  the  old  trees  of  the  forest,  and 
the  thunders  uttered  their  voices  of  desolation  over  the 
ruins;  yet  nearly  1800  years  of  the  Christian  dispen- 
sation had  passed  away,  when  Franklin's  genius,  supe- 
rior in  this  respect  to  the  most  brilliant  minds  that  had 
preceded  his,  gave  identity  and  character  to  electricity, 
and  subjected  the  incomprehensible  fluid  to  his  will. 
The  principle  by  which  the  electric  essence  might  be 
made  the  medium  of  thought  and  intelligence  has  ever 
existed  ;  yet  among  all  the  wise,  and  learned,  and  sci- 
entific of  the  ancients,  there  was  no  MORSE  to  apply  it. 
The  art  of  printing,  a  knowledge  of  which  would  have 
been  of  infinite  value  and  importance  to  the  book- 
makers of  the  ancient  world,  was  not  discovered  by 
the  "  wise  men  of  old  ;"  but,  by  an  humble  German, 
as  late  as  the  fifteenth  century. 

Odd-Fellowship,  as  an  operative,  individual  com- 
pact, may  be  "  ancient ;"  it  may  claim  with  some  cer- 
tainty to  have  originated  in  the  palmy  days  of  old 
Rome  ;  but  there  is  positive  evidence  that  its  princi- 
ples—  itsmafericl — have  existed  from  time  immemo- 
rial. It  was  the  spirit  of  our  system  which  went  up 
in  acceptable  incense  from  the  altar  of  righteous  Abel  ; 
which  warned  the  ungodly  and  vile  citizens  of  Sodom 
and  Gomorrah  ;  which  went  with  Abraham  into  the 
wilderness,  among  the  wretchedly  ignorant  and  idola- 
trous heathen,  and  caused  him  there  to  re-ar  his  al- 
tar of  true  patriarchal  piety  and  genuine  worship 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  23 

which  led  him  to  the  mountain,  wnere  the  wood  and 
fire  were  prepared  to  sacrifice  his  only  son  ;  and  as  he 
raised  the  shining  death-knife  to  plunge  it  into  the 
heart  of  his  boy  —  his  beloved  —  the  angel  whose  soft 
tones  came  from  the  throne,  crying  "  Forbear  !"  also 
recorded  one  of  the  features  of  this  Order,  Fidelity, 
What  we  would  contend  for  is  principle,  not  a  name , 
truth,  rather  than  antiquity  ;  original  greatness,  rather 
than  ancient  identity.  If  we  affirm,  therefore,  that 
Odd-Fellowship  as  a  compact  should  receive  little 
credit  for  antiquity,  we  are  always  ready  to  elucidate 
the  fact,  that  its  essence,  its  principles  and  power,  are 
coeval  and  coexistent  with  the  race  of  Adam.  We 
can  see,  in  the  mellow  tints  of  the  rainbow  that  the 
Almighty  bended  in  the  heavens,  that  principle  which 
gives  our  Institution  one  of  the  gems  in  its  crown  — 
Faithfulness  to  a  solemn  promise.  We  can  hear,  in 
the  thunders  that  shook  Sinai,  the  voice  of  TRUTH,  as 
its  glowing  fire  flashed  in  the  clouds  that  lowered  about 
that  monument  of  the  Divine  presence  and  power.  In 
the  ephod,  and  the  breastplate,  and  the  curious  girdle, 
spoken  of  in  Scripture,  we  can  see  the  symbols  of  that 
benevolence  and  friendship,  which,  even  in  a  barba- 
rous and  iron  age,  were  delegated  to  individuals,  that 
the  name  and  excellence  of  the  everlasting  God  might 
be  declared  and  revered,  and  mankind  might  take  their 
degrees  in  moral  and  intellectual  advancement.  We 
can  see,  in  the  two  tablets  of  stone,  that  were  carried 
"  early  in  the  morning"  to  the  mount,  when  the  Lord 
descended  in  the  cloud,  and  the  covenant  with  Israel 
was  made,  the  signs  and  tokens  of  a  moral  power  be- 
fore which  the  altars  and  images  of  paganism  crumbled, 
nod  light  and  reflection  shed  their  healing  influence 


24  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT- BOOK. 

amid  the  unhallowed  groves  of  the  unsanctified 
ters.  We  can  trace,  in  the  friendship  of  David  and 
Jonathan,  an  affection  that  made  them  lovely  in  their 
lives,  and  that  united  them  in  death  —  a  love  that  made 
tin  arrow  a  tongue  to  speak,  when  the  murderer 
whetted  his  death-knife.  Do  men  inquire  how  "oW 
Odd-Fellowship  is  ?  We  refer  them  to  the  smoking 
incense  that  rose  from  the  altar  of  righteous  Abel ;  to 
the  dove,  as  it  bore  to  the  ark,  that  stood  above  the 
ruin  of  a  world,  the  olive-leaf;  to  old  Noah,  amid  his 
vine-clad  farm,  surrounded  by  the  cattle  on  a  thousand 
hills ;  to  Caleb  and  Joshua,  as  they  stood  by  the  heap 
of  stones,  reared  up  as  an  everlasting  symbol  to  the 
generations  to  come,  of  Friendship,  Love,  and  Truth  , 
TO  Jonathan  and  David,  as  they  stood  by  the  stono 
Esel,  where,  in  the  touching  language  of  Scripture, 
"  David  arose  out  of  a  place  toward  the  south,  and  fell 
on  his  face  to  the  ground,  and  bowed  himself  thre^. 
times :  and  they  kissed  one  another,  and  wept  one  with 
another,  until  David  exceeded." 

We  assert,  therefore,  of  Odd-Fellowship,  that  its 
materials  —  its  life-blood,  and  heat,  and  soul  —  are  as 
old  as  the  first  Sabbath  morning  —  as  old  as  the  "sol- 
emn and  binding  obligation"  that  united  the  beating 
hearts  of  the  first  pair  in  the  garden  of  Eden,  when 
"  angels  were  the  witnesses,  and  God  the  priest." 

The  patriarch  Lot,  surrounded  by  a  vicious  race  who 
had  corrupted  the  earth,  seemed  to  be  the  only  good 
man  in  that  dense  and  abominable  mass  of  wickedness 
to  unfurl  the  banner  on  whose  folds  were  written  "  Fi- 
delity," and  the  motto,  "  In  God  we  trust."  Daniel, 
and  Jeremiah,  and  Job,  with  others,  are  examples 
which  demonstrate  the  nature  of  those  mora1  principle1; 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  25 

that  constitute  Odd-Fellowship.  As  far  back  in  the 
annals  of  the  past  as  Cyrus,  the  Persian  king,  we  can 
see  traces  of  that  spirit,  which,  superior  to  the  contami- 
nating influences  of  selfishness,  and  lust,  and  pride, 
rises  to  the  dignity  of  the  man  and  the  magnanimity 
of  the  philanthropist.  Greece,  too,  had  her  Lycurgus, 
to  hurl  the  shafts  of  his  firmness  and  humanity  against 
the  miscreant  demagogue,  and  to  revolutionize  the 
affairs  of  his  waning  country.  And  when  Solon,  like 
some  appointed  angel  who  can  calm  the  storm  and 
stay  the  thunders,  set  his  foot  on  the  code  of  Draco, 
his  generation  comparatively  became  "social  and  hu- 
mane;" and  Cruelty  for  a  time  lost  its  "  travelling- 
ca.rd,"  and  Revenge  had  no  "  password."  Thus  we 
might  follow  the  history  of  man  from  one  age  to  another 
down  to  the  present  day,  and  show  that,  in  the  darkest 
periods,  what  men  most  desire,  "Light"  —  what  they 
love,  "Virtue"  —  what  they  ought  to  practise,  " Be- 
nerolence" —  what  is  most  conducive  to  peace  and  hap- 
piness, "  Truth," — have  all  had  their  warm  advocates 
and  supporters.  But  we  have  said  enough  on  this 
subject.  We  must,  however,  in  conclusion,  repeat 
the  foi'cwing  sentiment,  which  is  (or  should  be)  familiar 
to  us  all :  "  We  are  Odd-Fellows,  and  Odd-Fellows 
ONLY,  when  we  speak  and  act  like  honest  men."  If 
we  practise  the  precepts  of  our  Order,  we  must  be 
good  men  ;  and,  whether  we  be  ridiculed  or  com- 
mended, we  shall  ever  have  the  consolation  to  know 
that  we  are  preserving  the  best  treasures  of  the  past  — 
goodness,  fidelity,  and  friendship.  Yet  we  must  per- 
mit this  "past"  to  repose  upon  its  own  merits.  As  in 
ordinary  life,  no  man  should  entirely  depend  on  the 
opinions  and  experience  of  his  predecessors,  so  this 


26  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

Fraternity  of  ours  (which,  in  a  very  important  view 
may  be  esteemed  as  fixed  on  what  may  be  called  a 
"  one  idea,"  or  individual  basis)  should  not  found  its 
importance  and  excellence  on  its  ability  to  prove  that 
it  has  existed  for  a  longer  period  than  circumstances, 
or  proofs  of  the  facts,  sure  and  unequivocal,  will  admit. 
In  all  conditions  of  life,  and  among  all  classes  of  men, 
honesty  is  invariably  "  the  best  policy."  And  Odd- 
Fellows,  more  than  all  other  men,  should  be  honest. 

But  we  have  detained  the  reader  quite  "  time  enough" 
—  and  we  shall  therefore  now  endeavor  to  show  the 
true  origin  of  the  Order  of  Odd-Fellows  in  America, 
and  its  tendency.  This  we  shall  do  honestly  and  sin- 
cerely, and  will  tell  only  what  is  really  the  truth  — 
truth  which  may  be  corroborated  by  testimony  that 
must  be  regarded  as  invulnerable. 


CHAPTER  II. 

ORIGIN    OF   THE    ORDER  IN  AMERICA. 

THE  actual  commencement  of  Odd-Fellowship  in 
America  was  in  1806.  This,  we  are  aware,  has  been 
disputed  by  some  who  are  interested  in  dating  its  ori- 
gin here  at  a  later  period  ;  but  the  facts  are  too  clearly 
proven  to  admit  of  any  successful  controversy.  It  will 
appear  from  the  following  documents,  for  the  genuine- 
ness of  which  we  pledge  our  veracity  as  a  faithful  his- 
torian, that  the  first  Lodge  was  opened  in  the  ol«l 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  27 

'Shakspere  House,"  or  tavern,  in  Fair  street,  now 
Fulton,  No.  135,  between  Nassau  street  and  Broad- 
way, New  York,  on  the  twenty-third  of  December, 
1806.  The  institution  did  not,  however,  prosper  in 
the  hands  of  the  worthy  and  now  venerable  brethren 
who  were  then  concerned  in  it.  Doubtless,  they  ex- 
erted their  utmost  efforts  to  establish  the  I.  O.  of  O.  F. 
on  a  firm  basis ;  but  the  soil,  at  that  day,  was  uncon- 
genial to  its  growth  ;  and  the  honor  of  its  establishment 
in  the  New  World  was  to  fall  upon  other  and  success- 
ful pioneers.  Yet  the  New  York  brethren  are  entitled 
to  credit  for  their  efforts  in  this  cause ;  and  it  should 
be  remembered  that  their  failure  was  the  result  of  in- 
surmountable difficulties.  We  are  indebted  to  P.  G. 
DOWNING,  of  Columbia  Lodge,  No.  1,  New  York,  for 
the  following  documents  : — 

44  This  is  to  certify  that  I,  William  E.  Chambers,  together 
with  Solomon  Chambers,  John  C.  Chambers,  William  West- 
phall,  and  William  Twaites,  did  meet  together,  in  the  fall  of 
]  80G,  for  the  purpose  of  making  inquiry  and  collecting  together 
all  Odd-Fellows,  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a  Lodge ;  and, 
after  advertising  for  several  weeks,  we  found  just  enough  to  fill 
all  offices,  and  the  following  are  the  names  of  the  first  five  that 
met  together:  Solomon  Chambers,  John  C.  Chambers,  William 
E.  Chambers,  William  Westphall,  and  William  Twaites,  come- 
dian :  and  after  we  had  collected  the  remainder,  and  in  fact  all 
we  could,  we  then  concluded  to  raise  and  form  a  Lodge,  as  three 
of  us  had  passed  the  chair  in  the  old  country.  We  then  made 
up  our  minds  to  establish  a  Lodge  at  the  house  of  Thomas  Hodg- 
kinson,  known  as  the  *  Shakspere  Tavern,'  in  Fair  street,  now 
135  Fulton  street,  between  Broadway  and  Nassau  street,  on  the 
left  hand  from  Broadway.  This  house  was  frequented  by  the- 
atrical gentlemen  :  therefore  we  gave  it  that  name,  and  called 
it  the  'Shakspere  Grand  Lodge  of  Odd-Fellows;'  and,  believ- 
ing that  there  was  no  other  Lodge  in  the  country,  we  set  our 
shoulders  to  thp  wheel,  and  all,  like  good  Odd-Fellows,  went  to 


28  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

work  in  making  what  we  could  toward  it.  So  we  persevered, 
tompleted  our  work,  and  had  as  handsome  a  Lodge-room  as  any 
in  the  city  now.  After  that  we  went  to  work  and  appointed  our 
officers,  in  the  following  order :  Solomon  Chambers,  M.  N.  G. : 
John  C.  Chambers,  V.  G. ;  William  E.  Chambers,  R.  H.  S.  to 
M.  N.  G. ;  Richard  Ford,  L.  H.  S.  to  M.  N.  G. ;  Benjamin 
Warry,  R.  II.  S.  to  V.  G. ;  James  Chesterman,  L.  H.  S.  to 
V.  G. ;  William  Westphall,  Warden  ;  William  Helass,  Guar- 
dian ;  and  J.  D.  Myers,  Secretary.  Previous  to  J.  D.  Myers 
being  a  member,  William  Twaites  acted  as  Secretary,  and  we 
initiated  J.  D.  Myers,  who  was  afterward  our  regular  Secreta- 
ry ;  then  we  initiated  our  worthy  host,  and  considered  our  work 
done. 

"The  night  we  opened  our  Lodge  we  received  propositions 
for  about  fifteen  members.  This  was  good  encouragement,  and 
it  caused  us  to  labor  cheerfully,  and  we  continued  our  labors  and 
improvements  in  such  a  manner,  that,  during  the  first  quarter, 
we  had  over  eighty  good  and  faithful  Odd-Fellows ;  and  the 
Lodge  continued  in  a  flourishing  state  for  a  long  time  at  the 
above  house,  where  myself  and  my  brother  and  father  all  passed 
the  chairs.  After  some  time,  the  Lodge  was  removed  to  the 
'  Trafalgar  House,'  in  Gold  street,  kept  by  Brother  Edgarly,  as 
we  had  not  sufficient  room  where  it  was  first  established.  After 
that  it  was  removed  to  the  '  Ring  of  Bells,'  in  Coffee-House 
slip,  kept  by  Brother  Spencer ;  after  which  it  was  removed  to 
Brother  William  Moore's,  at  the  corner  of  Cedar  and  Temple 
streets,  in  consequence  of  the  death  of  Brother  Spencer.  After 
that  time  it  seemed  to  fail,  and  I  believe  that  it  was  pretty 
much  the  last ;  for,  as  I  had  to  leave  New  York  for  the  fron- 
tiers during  the  last  war,  I  heard  no  more  of  it,  and  when  I 
returned  I  could  not  trace  it  out,  and  so  it  slept  for  a  time.  But 
during  my  time  we  were  applied  to  for  a  branch  to  go  to  Phila- 
delphia ;  but  whether  it  was  granted,  I  cannot  tell.  My  father 
and  brother  and  myself  passed  the  chair  during  its  continuance, 
and  also  Captain  John  Hewett  and  William  Moore. 

"To  ALL  WHOM  IT  MAT  CONCERN:  The  above  document 
is  a  true  statement  of  the  first  formation  of  the  Order  of  Odd- 
Fellows  in  the  city  of  New  York,  made  by  William  E.  Cham- 
bers, the  only  surviving  founder  in  the  city  of  New  York  of  the 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  29 

Sbakspere  Grand  Lodge  of  Odd-Fellows,' instituted  and  opened 
the  twenty-third  of  December,  1806. 

*'  WILLIAM  E.  CHAMBERS,  527  Greenwich  St.,  N.  Y." 

"  This  is  to  certify  that  I,  John  C.  Chambers,  was  one  of  the 
founders  of  the  first  Lodge  of  Odd-Fellows,  instituted  and 
opened  the  twenty-third  of  December,  1806,  at  the  house  of 
Thomas  Hodgkinson,  known  then  as  the  '  Shakspere  Tavern,' 
No.  17  Fair  street,  now  called  Fulton  street,  in  the  city  of  New 
York.  And  said  Lodge  was  hailed  and  styled  the  '  Shakspere 
Grand  Lodge  of  Odd-Fellows.' 

"  JOHN  C.  CHAMBERS,  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y., 

"P.  G.  M.  of  the  Loyal  Independent  Grand  Lodge, 
"  Westminster,  England." 

"I  hereby  certify  that  1  was  made  a  member  of  the  '  Shak- 
spere Grand  Lodge,'  held  at  the  '  Shakspere  Tavern,'  in  Fair 
street,  now  called  Fulton  street,  in  the  year  1806;  and  thai 
Solomon  Chambers  was  Most  Noble  Grand,  and  John  C.  Cham- 
bers was  Vice  Grand.  William  E.  Chambers  was  R.  H.  S.  to 
M.  N.  G. 

"  JOHN  R.  THOMAS,  N.  Y." 

"  This  is  to  certify  that  I  was  a  member  of  the  '  Shakspere 
Grand  Lodge  of  Odd-Fellows,' about  the  year  1807,  held  at 
'  Shakspere  Tavern,'  kept  by  Mr.  Hodgkinson,  in  Fair  street 
(now  Fulton  street).  Mr.  Solomon  Chambers  was  Most  Noble 
Grand,  and  Mr.  John  C.  Chambers  Vice  Grand. 

"  The  only  surviving  members  I  now  recollect  are  Mr.  James 
Chesterman,  Mr.  John  C.  Chambers,  and  Mr.  William  E. 
Chambers. 

"  WILLIAM  DUBOIS,  No.  285  Broadway,  N.  Y." 

« This  is  to  certify  that  I  was  a  member  of  the  '  Shakspere 
Grand  Lodge  of  Odd-Fellows,'  held  at  the  •  Shakspere  Tavern,' 
in  Fair  street,  now  Fulton  street,  in  1806,  or  thereabout :  with 
Mr.  William  E.  and  Mr.  John  C.  Chambers,  and  their  father. 
Solomon  Chambers,  who  was  M.  N.  G.,  and  John  was  V.  G. 
Mr.  William  Dubois,  of  Broadway,  was  a  member. 

"JAMES  CHESTERMAN,  710  Broadway,  N.  Y." 
3* 


30  THE  ODD-FELT-OWS'   TEXT-BOOK. 

"  Shortly  after  my  return  from  New  Orleans,  in  the  early 
part  of  1819,  as  near  as  my  memory  serves,  I  was  proposed  by 
Mr.  Nexson  (a  school-teacher,  and  then  acting  as  Secretary) 
and  became  a  member  of  '  Shakspere  Lodge,  No.  1.'  At 
this  period  it  was  generally  conceded  that  the  '  Shakspere'  was 
the  oldest  (if  not  the  only)  Lodge  in  the  United  States.  We 
held  our  meetings  in  the  house  corner  of  Cedar  and  Temple 
streets,  occupied  by  Mr.  William  Moore,  who  had  been  a  mem- 
ber of  the  theatrical  profession.  I  remember  well  that  at  his 
house  we  elected  as  Treasurer  the  performer,  Mr.  Hopkins  Rob- 
ertson, who  died  while  holding  that  office,  and  by  a  unanimous 
vote  of  the  Lodge  the  funds  then  in  his  possession  reverted  to 
hi<5  widow,  who  was  in  indigent  circumstances. 

"About  two  years  after,  the  Lodge  was  removed  to  the  house 
occupied  by  Mr.  Mahany,  in  Chatham  near  Spruce  street,  where 
we  opened  under  the  name  of  '  Franklin  Lodge,  No.  2.'  It  was 
in  this  Lodge  that  General  George  P.  Morris,  editor  of  the 
4  Mirror,'  passed  the  chairs.  I  was  elected  Secretary  at  this 
period,  and  continued  in  that  situation  for  two  years,  during 
which  time  the  Lodge  was  removed  to  Water  street,  near 
Beekman  slip.  I  left  the  city  soon  after  removing  to  this  loca- 
tion, and  know  not  what  became  of  certain  books  and  documents 
at  that  time  under  my  control.  I  can  not  say  who  succeeded 
me  as  Secretary,  but  understood  that  they  merged  into  the 
'  Columbia  Lodge.' 

"As  regards  the  antiquity  of  'Shakspere  Lodge,  No.  1,'  I 
never  heard  it  questioned  ;  and  1  am  assured  there  are  members 
now  living  who  can  testify  that  it  existed  in  this  city  fourteen 
years  previous  to  my  becoming  a  brother,  in  1819,  at  which 
time  it  was  revived  under  the  old  dispensation. 

"  MANLY  B.  FOWLER,  N.  Y." 

In  the  year  1816,  according  to  the  testimony  of 
Brother  CHARLES  SHERWOOD,  of  New  York,  who  as- 
serts that  his  authority  for  the  statement  is  undeniable, 
there  were  a  few  Odd-Fellows,  all  foreigners  by  birth, 
who  met  together  in  New  York,  and  organized  them- 
selves into  a  Lodge,  which  they  called  "  Prince  Re- 
gent's Lodge."  This  institution,  also,  from  various 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  31 

causes,  failed  to  establish  and  carry  out  the  principles 
of  the  Order.  Late  in  1822,  a  charter  was  obtained 
from  the  Loyal  Beneficent  Duke  of  Sussex  Lodge, 
No.  2,  in  Liverpool,  England,  and  Columbia  Lodge, 
No.  1,  of  the  city  of  New  York,  which  is  still  in  suc- 
cessful operation,  was  regularly  organized. 

There  can  be  no  doubt,  however,  that  WILDEY  was 
the  actual  originator  and  founder  of  Odd-Fellowship, 
as  it  exists  in  America.  He  was  accustomed  to  the 
enjoyment  of  the  society  of  Odd-Fellows  at  home,  and 
he  felt  naturally  anxious  for  similar  society  here. 

THOMAS  WILDEY  was  born  in  London,  in  1785.  In 
1806,  at  the  age  of  twenty-one,  he  was  initiated  into 
"  Independent  Lodge,"  at  Bath,  England,  in  which  he 
was  subsequently  raised  three  several  times  to  the  prin- 
cipal chair.  In  July,  1818,  he  embarked  for  America, 
and  on  the  second  of  September  of  that  year  arrived  at 
Baltimore,  where  he  immediately  commenced  the  busi- 
ness of  coachspring-making,  which  he  had  learned  with 
his  father.  On  landing,  he  was  desirous  to  visit  a 
Lodge,  and  was  much  astonished  on  being  informed  by 
a  biother  of  the  Order  whom  he  met — JOHN  WELCH, 
also  a  foreigner — that  there  was  no  Lodge  in  Balti- 
more. Wildey  and  Welch,  however,  determined  to 
ascertain  if  there  were  no  Odd-Fellows  in  the  city,  and 
they  accordingly  gave  public  notice,  calling  for  mem- 
bers of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  The  result  was  the  meeting 
of  five,  and  the  subsequent  formation  of  a  Lodge.  To 
HENRY  M.  JACKSON,  the  first  N.  G.  of  Franklin  Lodge 
(the  second  Lodge  instituted),  and  JOHN  BOYD  and 
JOHN  CHOWDER,  Mr.  Wildey  was  much  indebted  for 
assistance  in  the  infancy  of  the  Order. 


82  THE  ODD- FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

The  following  thoughts,  in  connection  with  the  his* 

O  O  7 

tory  of  this  matter,  have  been  furnished  us  by  a  brother 
who  has  been  long  a  valuable  member  of  the  Frater 
nity : — 

"  In  the  year  181 9,  two  worthy  brothers  of  the  Order 
of  Odd-Fellows  by  chance  met  in  the  city  of  Baltimore. 
They  were  foreigners  by  birth,  and  had  left  their  na- 
tive land  to  seek  an  asylum  in  this  country.  It  would 
appear  that  they  were  not  strangers  to  each  other  in 
their  mother-country,  or,  if  they  were,  they  at  once 
recognised  one  another  as  having  been  co-workers  in 
the  great  cause  of  humanity  in  the  land  of  their  birth  ; 
and,  as  they  were  often  together,  their  conversation  was 
naturally  directed  to  the  subject  of  the  Order :  they 
had  known  and  enjoyed  its  kindly  principles  at  home, 
and  it  was  with  deep  and  bitter  regret  that  an  institu- 
tion so  kindly  in  its  principles,  and  so  congenial  to  the 
government  and  country  they  had  adopted,  had  not 
found  its  way  across  the  ocean. 

"  Many  were  the  schemes  they  devised  to  ascertain 
what  number  of  Odd-Fellows,  if  any,  could  be  found 
on  the  western  continent,  for  it  does  not  appear  they 
had  any  knowledge  at  this  time  of  the  previous  estab- 
lishment of  the  Order  in  New  York.  After  many  vain 
and  fruitless  efforts,  they  accidentally  hit  upon  the  plan 
of  giving  public  notice  through  the  newspapers  of  the 
day,  calling  a  meeting  of  such  of  the  Order  as  should 
have  come  to  this  country  from  the  Old  World,  and 
designating  the  time  and  place  of  meeting.  The  long- 
looked-for  day  and  hour  at  length  arrived,  and  with 
trembling  and  anxious  hearts  they  assembled  at  the 
place  of  meeting — and  behold !  three  besides  them- 
selves, out  of  the  vast  population  of  the  United  States, 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS*  TEXT-BOOK.  33 

assembled  at  the  call  of  their  brethren,  and  made  them- 
selves known.  These  five  humble  individuals  met, 
not  as  strangers  to  each  other  in  a  distant  land,  but  as 
brothers  whose  hearts  and  souls  were  united  in  the 
bonds  of  Odd-Fellowship.  Although  they  were  stran- 
gers to  one  another  in  the  general  acceptation  of  the 
term,  yet  as  Odd-Fellows  they  were  brothers,  and  re- 
garded and  esteemed  each  other  as  old  and  long-tried 
friends,  because  they  knew  the  most  implicit  confi- 
dence could  be  reposed  in  one  another,  and  that  it  mat- 
tered not  what  language  they  spoke,  or  what  country 
or  clime  gave  them  birth  :  they  met  as  friends,  and  were 
bound  together  in  the  ties  of  friendship. 

"  No  motive  but  the  purest  brotherly  love  had  called 
them  together ;  nothing  but  the  pure  spirit  of  benevo- 
lence, and  a  desire  to  advance  and  improve  the  condi- 
tion of  man,  actuated  them  to  assemble  on  that  occa- 
sion ;  no  motives  of  gain,  no  allurements  to  wealth  or 
power,  no  high-sounding  titles  of  distinction,  brought 
them  together :  they  were  men  without  any  particular 
influence  —  with  no  pecuniary  means,  except  such  aa 
was  necessary  for  their  comfort  and  temporal  happi- 
ness in  the  humbler  walks  of  life.  They,  however, 
firmly  resolved  to  surmount  all  obstacles,  and,  if  pos- 
sible, to  plant  the  seed  of  Odd-Fellowship  in  the  soil 
of  Freedom  ;  firmly  believing  that,  if  properly  nour- 
ished and  watered,  it  would  speedily  take  deep  root, 
and  that  its  branches  would  extend  far  and  wide,  until 
the  inhabitants  of  the  whole  western  continent  could 
repose  under  its  shade,  and  receive  nourishment  from 
its  fruits. 

"  They  accordingly  applied  to  England,  and  after 
much  anxiety  ^nd  delay  procured  a  charter,  and  this 


34  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

Lodge  they  called  '  Washington  Lodge.'  They  had 
no  sooner  obtained  a  charter  and  organized  the  institu- 
tion, than  prejudice  and  superstition  started  up  on  all 
sides,  and  proclaimed  the  most  unblushing  slanders 
against  all  secret  societies,  and  that  this  poor  Lodge  of 
Odd-Fellows  was  the  very  nucleus  of  all  immorality 
and  infidelity.  And  it  no  doubt  appears  marvellous 
that  this  small  band  of  brothers  had  the  courage  and 
firmness  of  purpose  to  sustain  themselves  under  such 
trials  and  persecutions,  and  with  so  great  a  weight  of 
public  opinion  pressing  upon  them. 

"  But  these  persecutions  were  no  doubt  intended 
for  wise  and  good  purposes ;  for,  no  sooner  had  the 
slanders  of  the  day  been  circulated,  than  people  were 
led  to  inquire  into  the  objects  of  the  Order,  and  who- 
ever learned  its  friendly  precepts  and  benevolent  pur- 
poses, solicited  to  become  members  in  the  cause  of 
humanity,  and,  if  found  worthy,  were  received  as  broth- 
ers. These  persecutions,  no  doubt,  had  a  tendency 
also  to  chasten  their  conduct,  and  to  actuate  them  to 
walk  uprightly  before  God  and  man  ;  they  being  con- 
scious that,  without  the  strictest  moral  conduct,  the 
world  would  draw  the  inference,  and  perhaps  with  rea- 
son, that  their  purposes  were  evil  rather  than  good : 
and  the  consequence  was  that  '  Washington  Lodge' 
soon  had  its  scores  of  followers,  and  ultimately  became 
(he  centre  from  which  emanated  the  purest  moral  pre- 
cepts, cheering  and  dispensing  their  kindly  influences 
in  every  direction  ;  and  from  this  once  feeble  band 
were  soon  established  in  the  city  of  Baltimore  a  num- 
ber of  Lodges,  composed  of  a  portion  of  the  most 
wealthy  and  most  intelligent  inhabitants  of  that  city 
By  this  rime  the  light  of  benevolence  and  brotherly 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  35 

love  had  been  kindled  in  '  Columbia  Lodge,'  and  their 
joint  influences  had  fanned  it  into  a  flame,  extending 
far  beyond  the  bounds  of  the  states  in  which  these 
Lodges  were  established,  and  one  state  succeeded  after 
another,  until  there  are  now  Lodges  established  in 
every  state  of  the  Union. 

"  What  a  pleasing  reflection,  to  behold  such  unpar- 
alleled success  in  so  short  a  period  of  time !  What 
a  mighty  host  we  now  number  !  Contemplate  the 
charities  and  blessings  we  are  daily  dispensing  to  the 
widow  and  the  orphan  ;  how  many  thousands  at  this 
moment  are  receiving  the  benefits  of  Odd-Fellowship's 
open-handed  charities,  and  praying  for  its  continued 
success !" 

But,  to  proceed  to  the  origin  of  Odd-Fellowship  in 
the  United  States,  and  to  a  correct  statement  of  the 
commencement  of  the  Order  here,  we  observe  that 
Washington  Lodge,  No.  1,  was  instituted  by  the  five 
persons  assembled  at  Wildey's  suggestion.  It  was 
organized  at  the  house  of  William  Lupton,  sign  of 
the  "  Seven  Stars,"  Second  street,  Baltimore,  on  the 
twenty-sixth  of  April,  1819,  by  Thomas  Wildey,  John 
Welch,  John  Duncan,  John  Cheathem,  and  Richard 
Rushworth.  The  two  first-named  were  elected  N.  G. 
and  V.  G.  of  the  Lodge ;  and  it  was  at  first  intended 
that  the  new  Lodge  should  "  work"  according  to  the 
usages  of  the  Union,  or  London  Order,  and  operato 
on  the  ancient  method  of  self-institution,  or  indepen- 
dency of  any  "  higher-law"  power.  "  The  archives," 
says  P.  G.  Sire  KENNEDY,  "  do  not  furnish  the  exact 
period  at  which  this  design  was  abandoned  ;  but  thers 
is  evidence  that  it  was  in  the  first  month  of  the  exist- 
ence of  the  Lodg*;.  The  work  being  thus  changed  f* 


36  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

that  of  the  '  Independent  Order,'  it  became  necessary 
to  be  possessed  of  a  dispensation  from  competent  au- 
thority, as  required  under  that  organization.  As  early 
as  June,  1819,  a  series  of  efforts  was  commenced  to 
that  end,  directed  toward  various  points,  as  one  after 
another  indicated  failure.  The  '  Abercrombie  Grand 
Lodge,  of  Manchester'  (the  head  of  one  of  the  divis- 
ions of  the  Order  which  were  at  that  time  in  active 
contest  for  supremacy  in  Odd-Fellowship),  which  was 
merged  into  the  '  Manchester  Unity'  in  1826,  respond- 
ed ;  and  on  the  seventh  of  January,  1820,  issued  a 
dispensation  —  which,  however,  it  is  believed,  never 
reached  its  destination."  But  through  the  instrumen- 
tality of  P.  G.  JOHX  CHOWDER,  who  visited  Baltimore 
from  Preston,  England,  during  the  latter  part  of  1819, 
the  Duke  of  York's  Lodge,  Preston,  Manchester  Unity, 
by  virtue  of  powers  indisputable,  granted  and  forwarded 
the  following  dispensation  : — 

"NO.     WASHINGTON  LODGE.     1. 

"PLURIBUS    Urs'UM. 

«'  The  Grand  Lodge  of  Maryland,  and  of  the  United  States 
of  America,  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd-Fellowship. 

"  To  all  whom  it  may  concern  :  This  Warrant  or  Dispensa- 
tion is  a  free  gift  from  the  Duke  of  York's  Lodge,  of  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd-Fellowship,  holden  at  Preston,  in  the 
county  of  Lancaster,  in  Old  England,  to  a  number  of  Brothers 
residing  in  the  city  of  Baltimore,  to  establish  a  Lodge  at  the 
house  of  Brother  Thomas  Woodward,  in  South-Frederick  street, 
in  the  said  city  :  hailed  by  the  title  of  '  No.  1,  Washington 
Lodge,  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Maryland  and  of  the  United  States 
of  America.'  That  the  said  Lodge,  being  the  first  established 
in  the  United  States,  hath  power  to  grant  a  Warrant  or  Dis 
jpensation  to  a  number  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd-Fellow- 
ship into  any  State  of  the  Union,  for  the  encouragement  and 
support  ot  Brothers  of  the  said  Order  on  travel  or  otherwise. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT -BOOK.  37 

"  And  be  it  further  observed,  that  the  said  Lodge  be  not 
removed  from  the  house  of  Brother  Thomas  Woodward,  so  long 
as  five  Brothers  are  agreeable  to  hold  the  same. 

"  In  testimony  hereof,  we  have  subjoined  our  names,  and 
affixed  the  seal  of  our  Lodge,  this  the  first  day  of  February, 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  twenty  : — 

"  JAMES  MANDSLEY,  G.  M. 

JOHN  COTTAM,  N.  G. 

GEO.  NAILOR,  V.  G. 

JOHN  ECCLES,  Sec'y. 

JOHN  CROWDER,  P.  G. 

SAML.  PEMBERTON,  P.  G. 

JOHN  WALMSLEY,  P.  G. 

W.  TOPPING,  P.  G. 

GEO.  WARD,  P.  G. 

GEORGE  BELL,  P.  G." 

This  instrument  was  received  on  the  twenty -third 
of  October,  1820,  and  was  formally  accepted.  It  con- 
tinued to  be  the  warrant  of  authority  under  which  the 
Lodge  worked,  until,  by  a  unanimous  vote,  it  was  sur- 
rendered into  the  hands  of  the  Past  Grands,  and  the 
Lodge  received  a  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Lodge 
in  its  stead.  "  The  success  of  the  Order,"  says  P.  G. 
Sire  Kennedy,  "  may  with  propriety  be  dated  from 
this  event,  as  concentrated  and  more  enlightened  ac- 
tion was  the  primary  result."  From  that  time  (Feb- 
ruary 22,  1821)  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States* 
has  been  the  head  of  the  Order  in  America.  A  dis- 
pensation, or  charter,  was  granted  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  the  United  States,  May  15,  1826,  by  the  Grand 
Annual  Movable  Committee  (the  head  of  the  Order  in 
Great  Britain),  confirmatory  of  the  dispensation  granted 

*  In  1821,  and  until  the  separate  organization  of  the  Grand 
Lodtje  of  Maryland  ((January   15,    1825),  called  "  The  Grand 
Lodge  of  Maryland  and  of  the  United  States  " 
4 


38  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

by  the  Duke  of  York's  Lodge,  and  authorizing  the  said 
Grand  Lodge  to  conduct  the  business  of  Odd-Fellow- 
ship in  America,  without  the  interference  of  any  other 
country. 

In  consequence  of  important  changes  in  the  work 
of  the  Order  by  the  English  brethren,  made  without 
the  ad  vice  or  consent  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Uni- 
ted States,  and  in  defiance  of  its  frequent  remonstrance, 
a  separation  between  the  Order  in  Great  Britain  and 
America  was  decided  upon  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
United  States,  at  the  session  of  that  body  in  1842. 
Previously,  however,  to  this  decision,  the  Grand  Lodge 
had  in  vain  exerted  every  effort  to  induce  the  Man- 
chester Unity  of  Odd-Fellows  to  restore  the  ancient 
language  of  the  Order.*  We  are  happy  to  say,  how- 
ever, that,  although  the  form  used  by  these  two  bodies 
is  slightly  diverse,  they  are  united  in  principle;  and 
that  the  objects  they  have  in  view,  and  the  good  they 
accomplish,  are  the  mainspring  of  their  motive  and 
action. 

In  concluding  this  part  of  our  subject — the  History 
of  Odd-Fellowship  —  we  shall  explain  the  "motive 
and  action"  of  the  Order,  by  exhibiting  its  practices 
and  principles.! 

*  For  the  history  of  this  matter  (which  is  too  lengthy  for  this 
work),  we  refer  the  reader  to  the  Journal  of  Proceedings  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States  —  a  new  edition  of  which  has 
been  lately  authorized  —  pages  389-433. 

*  We  have  borrowed  on  this  subject  a  portion  of  an  eloquent 
Address,  by  Rev.  J.  D.  M'CABE,  delivered  before  Ha\vkins 
Lodge,  No.  41,  at  Rogersville,  Tennessee,  July  4,  1849,  at  the 
"  laying  of  the  corner-stone  of  the  Odd-Fellows'  Female  Insti- 
tute," of  that  place. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS?  TEXT-BOOK.  39 


CHAPTER  III. 

THF  PRINCIPLES  AND  TENDENCY  OF  ODD-FELLOWSHIP 

ODD-FELLOWSHIP  is  an  institution  formed  by  good 
men  for  the  advancement  of  the  principles  of  benevo- 
lence and  truth.  The  foundation  of  the  superstruc- 
ture is  laid  in  the  acknowledgment  of  universal  frater- 
nity— that  man  is  bound  to  sympathize  with,  to  aid 
and  protect  his  brother-man  :  upon  this  foundation  is 
erected  a  system  of  practical  benevolence,  that  sends 
its  influence  through  all  society ;  and  that  this  may  not 
degenerate  into  an  indiscriminate  system  of  alms-giving, 
which  converts  the  earnings  of  honest  industry  into  a 
reward  for  pauperism  and  idleness,  it  has  established 
certain  checks  and  balances,  by  which  its  active  good- 
ness is  restrained  within  proper  limits.  Its  first  duty 
is  to  its  own  household,  but  its  influence  is  felt  beyond  ; 
uniting  good  men  in  the  practice  of  acknowledged  du- 
ties, requiring  no  surrender  of  religious  or  political 
creed,  leaving  speculation  for  practice,  it  has  gone 
forth  among  the  homes  of  men  like  some  missioned 
spirit  of  good,  with  its  words  of  kindness,  its  deeds  of 
comfort;  wherever  it  has  moved,  it  was  for  the  healing 
of  disease,  the  alleviation  of  pain  :  the  tear  of  sorrow 
has  been  wiped  away,  and  the  face  of  anguish  illumined 
with  a  smile  :  "  it  has  no  marble  altar,  no  wreathed 
statue,  no  offerings  of  incense  ;  but  hearts  of  affection 
build  up  its  shrine  ;  the  widow  and  the  orphan  are  its 


40  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

living  monuments,  and  gratitude  pours  out  for  it  a  free 
libation."  Uniting  men  under  the  influence  of  the  so- 
cial principle,  Odd-Fellowship  demands  the  practice 
of  benevolence  and  charity  ;  and  in  order  to  impress 
these  duties  upon  the  mind,  and  furnish  incentives  to 
action  in  those  moments  of  relaxation  to  which  all  men 
are  subject,  it  has  instituted  solemn  ceremonies,  or- 
dained frequent  meetings,  and  formed  a  language  of 
signs  —  all  designed  to  produce  a  habit  of  benevolence, 
and,  by  educating  the  moral  faculties,  promote  the 
well-being  of  society.  The  principles  emblazoned 
upon  our  banners,  and  inscribed  upon  our  altars-,  are 
FRIENDSHIP,  LOVE,  and  TRUTH,  and  it  is  the  constant 
and  unvarying  inculcation  of  these  principles  that 
causes  Odd-Fellowship  to  be  strictly  practical.  We 
are  associated  to  preserve  no  striking  and  beautiful 
traditions  —  to  teach  no  original  truth — to  enunciate 
no  occult  mysteries.  We  receive  with  reverence  the 
teachings  of  God's  Holy  Word,  which  tells  us  that  we 
are  the  children  of  one  common  Father — brethren  of 
one  family  —  fellow-travellers  through  the  same  dark 
world  of  sin,  alike  needing  the  sympathy  and  support 
of  our  fellow-men  ;  that  we  are  bound,  as  stewards  of 
God,  to  use  wisely  the  things  which  have  been  com- 
mitted to  us  in  trust,  for  the  advancement  of  the  gen- 
eral good.  It  is  true  that  the  means  of  our  Society  do 
not  enable  us  to  relieve  all  the  wants  of  all  men,  but 
they  do  enable  us  to  mitigate  the  sufferings  of  many. 
The  relief  is,  in  the  first  place,  justly  restricted  to  the 
members  of  the  Order  and  their  families  ;  but,  these 
demands  answered,  relief  is  extended  to  others  as  far 
as  we  possess  the  ability.  The  pecuniary  contribu- 
tions of  the  members,  which  consist  in  small  weekly 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  4J 

sums,  constitute  a  fund  for  the  exclusive  purpose  of 
relieving  the  sick,  burying  the  dead,  educating  the 
orphan,  and  protecting  and  assisting  the  widow.  In 
this  respect  our  Order  is  a  vast  mutual-aid  society, 
"  differing  from  all  others  in  the  perfection  of  its  or- 
ganization, the  universality  of  its  extent,  and  the  mo- 
tives presented  for  action  in  high  and  benevolent 
teachings,  which  lead  from  specific  and  enforced  du- 
ties to  the  voluntary  performance  of  the  noblest  deeds 
of  charity."  While,  therefore,  our  Order,  in  its  or- 
ganization and  development,  is  founded  upon  eternal 
principles,  it  only  gives  direction  to  known  and  admit- 
ted truth,  and  enforces  the  duties  it  teaches  by  disci- 
pline. It  is  formed  for  action,  and  he  who  will  not 
work  is  not  permitted  to  remain  a  drone  in  the  busy 
hive. 

From  this  very  general  view,  we  may  pass  to  a  con- 
sideration of  some  of  the  specific  benefits  of  the  insti- 
tution secured  to  each  and  every  member  by  the  stipu- 
lations of  covenant  agreement : — 

1.  If  a  member  of  the  Order  is  unable  to  attend  to 
his  ordinary  avocation,  from  sickness  or  providential 
disability,  he  is  paid  every  week,  during  the  continu- 
ance of  such  disability,  a  sum  varying  from  three  to 
ten  dollars.     He  is  visited  by  the  officers  and  mem- 
bers of  his  Lodge,  and  proper  attendants  furnished  to 
watch  by  his  sick-bed  and  attend  to  his  wants. 

2.  In  case  of  death,  he  is  decently  buried  at  the 
expense  of  the   Order;   his  remains   are   followed  to 
"  the  house  appointed  for  all  the  living,"  and  the  dust 
;s  smoothed  on  his  grave  by  the  hand  of  sorrowing 
Friendship. 

3.  The  duties  of  Odd-Fellowship   end  not  hero, 

4* 


42  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

The  chain  of  earthly  fellowship  may  be  broken,  but 
some  of  its  severed  links  remain,  in  the  persons  of  the 
stricken  widow  and  the  helpless  orphan  :  Odd-Fellow- 
ship repairs  to  the  desolate  home ;  re-fills  the  cruse  of 
oil,  and  replenishes  the  empty  barrel ;  over  the  night 
of  desolate  widowhood  it  watches  with  sympathizing 
care,  and  comforts  the  stricken-hearted  mother  with 
assurance  that  her  fatherless  children  will  be  protected 
and  educated. 

Pause  for  one  moment  to  examine  the  strong  argu- 
ment furnished  in  favor  of  our  Order  by  this  view  of 
its  character.  The  young  man  in  business  far  from 
home  —  the  man  of  family,  who  earns  his  bread  by  the 
sweat  of  his  brow  — can,  when  in  health,  easily  spare 
four  or  five  dollars  annually,  and  thus  secure  such  aid 
and  attention  during  sickness  as  could  be  obtained  by 
no  other  pecuniary  expense.  Especially  does  the  man 
of  family  reap  an  advantage  in  a  pecuniary  point  of 
view  which  no  other  investment  of  the  same  amount  of 
funds  could  yield.  The  merchant,  the  man  of  busi- 
ness, visiting  our  northern  or  southern  cities,  may  be 
taken  sick  :  and  who  that  has  ever  been  sick,  a  stranger 
in  one  of  the  large  hotels,  knows  not  the  neglect  with 
which  persons  under  such  circumstances  are  treated? 
They  may  have  abundant  means  to  procure  the  atten- 
tion of  hirelings,  but  they  can  not  purchase  kindness 
and  sympathy.  The  possession  of  an  Odd-Fellow's 
card  will  secure  all  this  ;  for  its  presentation  to  the 
Lodge  is  an  assurance  of  fraternal  attention.  These, 
we  may  say,  are  the  common  duties  of  humanity,  ac- 
knowledged by  all  men,  and  needing  no  societies  to 
enforce  them.  We  grant  that  they  are  the  duties  of 
common  humanity,  but  are  they  performed  ? 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.      43 

We  have  no  idea  of  the  amount  of  suffering  endured 
by  virtuous  poverty,  when  the  supplies  procured  by 
industry  are  cut  off  by  sickness  ;  when  the  strong  man 
is  prostrated,  and  lies  stricken  and  helpless,  knowing 
that  loved  ones  are  in  want ;  when  no  friendly  footstep 
crosses  the  threshold  of  the  obscure  home  to  which  he 
has  fled  to  conceal  from  a  heartless  world  the  bitterness 
of  his  poverty.  Oh  !  the  agony  of  the  hot  tears  that 
blister  his  fevered  cheek  as  he  nightly  kisses  the  parched 
lips  and  looks  upon  the  famine-pinched  faces  of  his 
children,  as  they  go  supperless  to  their  bed  of  straw ! 
Who  can  tell  the  anguish  of  his  heart,  when  the  wife 
of  his  bosom  bends  over  him,  with  her  pale,  earnest 
face,  and,  as  she  wipes  the  fever-drops  from  his  brow, 
with  the  sublime  energy  of  woman's  endurance,  whis- 
pers resignation,  hope  !  Alas !  what  has  he  to  hope 
for  his  loved  ones,  if  God  in  his  providence  should 
call  him  away  ?  Nothing  !  That  wife  will  be  a  broken- 
hearted widow,  struggling  single-handed  against  pov- 
erty, exposed  to  the  insults  of  a  heartless  world  ;  those 
children  will  be  reared  in  ignorance,  it  may  be  for  a 
life  of  shame  —  a  death  of  disgrace.  But  how  different 
would  be  the  condition  of  such  a  person,  if,  in  the  days 
of  his  health  and  strength,  he  had  become  a  member 
of  our  noble  Order !  A  competency  would  have  smiled 
around  his  hearthstone ;  sympathizing  friends  would 
have  watched  around  his  sick-bed  ;  and  he  would 
close  his  eyes  in  death  with  the  sweet  assurance  that 
his  family  was  left  in  the  care  of  brothers,  whose  con- 
stant duty  it  is  to  "  protect  the  widow  and  educate  the 
orphan." 

We  could  give  numerous  instances  of  the  advan- 
tages secured  to  individuals  who,  when  they  entered 


44  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

the  Order,  did  not  dream  of  ever  needing  its  benefits 
The  advantages  of  this  association  are  further  seen  in 
the  fact  that  it  brings  together  men  of  the  most  dis- 
cordant opinions,  and  unites  them  in  the  bonds  of 
brotherly  love  —  affording  by  its  frequent  meetings  so- 
cial intercourse,  free  from  the  contaminating  influence 
of  vice.  It  promotes  the  morals  of  community,  by  re- 
straining its  members  from  all  intemperance  and  other 
illegal  practices,  under  penalty  of  expulsion,  and  the 
publication  of  their  names  in  connection  with  the  offence 
for  which  discipline  is  executed  throughout  the  limits 
of  the  Order.  It  is  calculated  to  make  men  social  and 
humane,  by  bringing  them  frequently  together  to  de- 
vise means  and  measures  for  the  relief  of  their  dis- 
tressed fellow-creatures  ;  thus  breaking  down  the  bar- 
riers erected  by  sect  and  party,  and  uniting  men  as 
citizens  of  one  country,  "the  world"  —  members  of 
one  family,  "  the  human  race  !" 

It  is  sometimes  urged  that  the  institution  comes  in 
contact  with  the  claims  of  the  church,  and  creates  con- 
flicting duties.  The  Order  of  Odd-Fellows  is  com- 
posed of  Christians  of  every  denomination ;  they  all 
acknowledge  individually  the  authority  of  the  church, 
and  in  the  most  perfect  obedience  they  unite  to  do  pre- 
cisely what  the  teachings  of  the  church  command  to 
be  done.  Singly  they  could  not  effect  as  much  good 
as  when  united.  Precisely  the  same  objection  may 
with  equal  propriety  be  made  against  all  voluntary  as- 
sociations. The  fact  is,  the  church  makes  no  specific 
provision,  in  any  of  its  branches,  for  the  performance 
of  the  duties  in  which  Odd-Fellowship  engages ;  it 
does  not,  in  any  one  of  the  sects  or  denominations, 
make  provision  for  their  discharge.  Where  has  it 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS*  TEXT-BOOK.  45 

made  provision  for  the  sick  members  of  its  comrnu- 
r;ion,  furnishing  watchers  by  their  beds  every  night  for 
months  —  supplying  them  with  money  to  procure  the 
necessaries  and  often  the  delicacies  of  life?  What 
provision  has  it' made  for  the  support  of  the  widow  — 
the  education  of  the  orphan  ?  What  provision  has  it 
made  to  take  care  of  the  sick  stranger,  and  in  death  to 
give  him  decent  burial?  Where  are  these  provisions  ? 
No  such  provision  exists ;  there  is  no  systematic  plan 
in  the  church  enforced  upon  its  members  by  discipline. 
All  the  conflict  our  Order  can  have  with  the  church  is 
to  reprove  its  apathy.  It  may  be  made  an  instrument 
to  provoke  the  church  to  activity,  by  showing  what  a 
mere  human  society  can  do,  with  "  her  usages  of  old" — 
her  bonds  of  love,  her  deeds  of  self-denial,  her  require- 
ments of  discipline  —  in  those  days  when  her  children 
showed  their  faith  by  their  works  of  mercy  and  love. 
Odd-Fellowship  wields  the  old  means;  the  church 
refuses  to  use  them.  And  is  this  wrong?  Shall  all 
these  deeds  be  left  undone,  because  a  few  will  murmur 
at  the  expenditure,  and  sell  the  precious  ointment  to 
increase  their  own  gains  ?  Is  it  right,  is  it  proper,  to 
fced  the  hungry,  to  clothe  the  naked,  to  visit  the  sick  ? 
is  it  right  to  bury  the  dead,  protect  the  widow,  and 
educate  the  orphan  ?  Who  will  say  it  is  wrong  to  do 
these  things  ?  What  is  Odd-Fellowship,  but  associated 
action  in  the  performance  of  these  duties  ? 

What  has  converted  the  howling  wilderness  into  a 
home  for  talent  and  refinement,  broken  up  the  lair  of 
the  red  man,  and  enthroned  hospitality  where  all  was 
w-ildness  and  barbarism?  What  has  waked  up  the 
song  of  the  laborer,  the  click  of  the  artisan's  hammer, 
the  hum  of  the  thrifty  multitude,  the  creations  of  taste 


46  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

and  refinement?  Associated  action!  the  same  kind 
of  power  that,  forty  centuries  ago,  upheaved  the  giant 
pyramids  that  survive  the  ruins  of  desolation,  as  the 
hoary  connection  between  the  past  and  the  present, 
"like  monuments  over  unknown  graves,  heralding  the 
glory,  though  their  worn  inscriptions  tell  not  the  names, 
of  those  who  sleep  at  their  base."  From  the  active 
virtue  and  sweet  charities  of  the  domestic  circle  to  the 
integrity  and  stability  of  the  mightiest  nation  upon 
earth,  this  principle  of  associated  action  is  seen  at  work. 
It  is  a  principle  of  power  and  of  might:  direct  it  we 
may,  destroy  it  we  can  not.  Like  steam,  if  confined 
in  iron  bonds,  it  will  burst  its  fetters,  and  scatter 
death  and  destruction  around  ;  and  yet,  like  the  well- 
broke  horse,  it  may  be  harnessed  and  driven  in  safety. 
Men  will  associate.  If  their  association  be  not  turned 
to  the  melioration  of  human  wo  —  to  plans  for  the 
moral  and  social  elevation  of  mankind  —  it  will  be 
seized  upon  by  the  factious  and  the  discontented,  the 
licentious  and  the  vile,  as  a  potent  engine  to  overturn 
the  social  and  religious  institutions  which  now  serve 
to  check  their  excesses.  Will  men,  under  the  influ- 
ence of  the  social  principle,  seek  the  bar-room  —  the 
gaming-house?  Give  them  some  other  attractive  place 
of  assembly,  where  virtuous  thoughts  and  moral  habits 
will  become  chosen  themes  and  preferred  practices. 
Will  they  unite  in  secret  clubs,  to  agitate  treason,  and 
seek  to  unsettle  government  and  society  with  their  vain 
discontents  and  Utopian  schemes  of  social  equality? 
Unite  them  by  the  charm  of  secrecy,  to  perform  works 
of  mercy  and  benevolence.  God  has  sanctioned  this 
principle  of  association  in  the  institution  of  his  holy 
church  Elevated  above  the  discords  of  earth,  unin- 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  47 

fluenced  by  the  changeful  policy  of  time,  it  is  to  con- 
stitute one  vast  association  designed  to  concentrate  the 
action  of  its  myriad  members  into  the  effective  unity 
of  one  catholic  body.  When  this  perfection  is  attained, 
minor  associations  will  not  be  needed. 

Such  is  a  brief  view  of  the  practice,  and  principles, 
and  tendencies,  of  Odd-Fellowship.  That  there  will 
be  opposition,  is  to  be  expected  ;  for  what  that  is  lovely 
or  of  good  report  has  ever  escaped  the  sneer  and  the 
scowl  of  the  gloomy  Pharisee,  who,  while  he  tithes 
anise,  mint,  and  cumin,  neglects  the  weightier  matters 
of  the  law,  making  it  void  through  his  traditions  ?  But 
our  principles  may  be  tried  by  their  fruits ;  and  who 
can  rise  up  and  say  these  fruits  are  evil,  or  that  asso- 
ciated action,  by  which  all  the  achievements  of  the 
age  have  been  wrought,  is  wrong?  Like  "the  still 
small  voice"  upon  the  ear  of  the  prophet,  when  the 
wind,  and  the  fire,  and  the  earthquake,  had  passed. 
Odd-Fellowship,  the  noiseless  spirit  of  benevolence 
and  love,  has  trained  its  children  to  follow  in  the  path 
of  desolation  and  affliction,  whispering  peace,  and  bind- 
ing in  the  golden  bonds  of  Friendship,  Love,  and 
Truth,  the  sheaves  left  standing  in  the  fields  over 
which  Death  and  Sorrow,  the  great  reapers,  have 
passed. 

Look  over  the  field  of  our  appropriate  labor  for  the 
evidence  of  these  works.  See  yon  stricken  widow, 
bowed  down  and  sorrowful ;  the  hope  of  her  heart  is 
quenched.  But  there  is  a  change  :  an  arm  of  affec- 
tion is  cast  around  her  —  a  hand  of  love  has  wiped 
away  her  tears.  That  arm  was  our  Order's  arm  ;  that 
hand  an  Odd-Fellow's.  See  yon  orphan,  with  no 
narthly  parent  to  watch  over  him,  no  mother  to  caress 

4 


43  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

and  wipe  away  his  burning  tears,  no  shelter  for  his 
defenceless  head.  Look!  an  arm  is  cast  around  him, 
he  is  sheltered  and  cared  for,  his  darkness  is  gone,  his 
mind  and  his  heart  are  cultivated,  and  his  glistening 
eye  tells  of  gratitude  and  love.  The  spirit  of  Odd- 
Fellowship  has  been  there  ! 

The  true  Odd-Fellow  !  he  is  out  in  the  field,  gather- 
ing the  ready  harvest ;  in  the  workshop,  laying  his 
strong  hand  to  the  anvil,  the  loom,  and  the  forge ;  in 
the  counting-house,  employed  in  the  pursuits  of  pro- 
fessional labor.  He  is  at  home,  fulfilling  the  duties  of 
parent,  husband  ;  gladdening  the  hearth  and  the  board 
by  the  virtues  of  the  social  spirit.  He  is  by  the  bed 
of  sickness,  wiping  the  moist  brow  and  cooling  the 
parched  lip  ;  he  is  in  sorrowful  places,  ministering  to 
poverty,  comforting  affliction,  and  relieving  distress. 
He  is  upon  the  field  of  his  country's  fame  and  glory, 
where  rank  after  rank  goes  down  in  the  shock  of  bright 
blades,  and  before  the  volleying  death-shot  —  with 
dauntless  heart  and  eagle-eye  battling  for  freedom  ! 

Brethren,  let  us  go  on,  unfurling  the  white  bannei 
of  our  Order  —  giving  it  proudly  to  the  breeze,  till  its 
triumphant  folds  intertwine,  and  become  blended  with 
the  stars  and  stripes  of  the  freeman's  hope  and  home . 
till  Oppression  break  his  sceptre,  War  lie  crushed 
on  his  harness ;  "  till  man  is  bound  in  brotherhood  to 
man  —  till  tears  are  changed  to  smiles,  and  groans  to 
benedictions !" 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.       49 


THE  ORGANIZATION  OF  ODD-FEL- 
LOWSHIP. 

THE  Order  of  Odd-Fellowship  consists  of  two 
branches,  viz. :  Lodges  and  Encampments.  The 
Lodges  comprise  six,  and  the  Encampments  three  De- 
grees. These,  with  the  exception  of  Degrees  obtained 
through  official  service,  embrace  the  entire  work  of  the 
Order,  the  Royal-Purple  Degree,  of  the  Encampment 
being  the  highest  and  last.  The  cost  of  attaining 
these  nine  Degrees  varies  in  different  localities ;  bu' 
usually  it  does  not  exceed  forty,  and  in  some  states  it 
is  less  than  twenty  dollars.  The  qualifications  re- 
quired are  that  the  candidate  must  be  a  free  white 
man,  not  under  twenty-one  years  of  age,  of  good  moral 
character  and  sound  health,  and  a  believer  in  the  Su- 
preme Being,  the  maker  and  ruler  of  the  universe. 

All  Lodges  and  Encampments  are,  directly  or  indi- 
rectly, under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
the  United  States  ;  which  body  meets  annually  on  the 
third  Monday  of  September,  and  specially,  if  neces- 
sary, at  the  call  of  the  Grand-Sire.  It  is  the  supreme 
head  of  the  Order  on  this  Continent,  and  is  the  source 
of  all  true  and  legitimate  authority  in  Odd-Fellow- 
ship therein.  It  consists  of  Representatives,  elected 
from  each  Grand  Lodge  and  Grand  Encampment ;  one 
for  any  number  of  members  under  one  thousand,  with- 
in the  jurisdiction  of  said  Grand  bodies,  and  an  addi- 
tional one  for  any  number  comprising  and  exceeding 
6  D 


50  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

one  thousand  ;*  and  of  Past  Grand-Sires,  f  Its  elec- 
tive officers  consist  of  a  Grand-Sire,  a  Deputy  Grand- 
Sire,  a  Recording  and  Corresponding  Secretary,  and  a 
Treasurer,  who  are  elected  biennially,  by  the  .Repre- 
sentatives. The  appointed  officers  consist  of  an  Assist- 
ant Grand  Secretary,  a  Grand  Marshal,  a  Grand  Chap- 
lain, a  Grand  Guardian,  and  a  Grand  Messenger.  It 

*  The  government  of  the  Order  in  Great  Britain  is  consti- 
tuted in  the  following  manner: — The  entire  body  of  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  in  the  kingdom  is  known  and  distinguished  by 
the  title  of  '*  The  Manchester  Unity,  of  the  Independent  Order 
of  Odd-Fellows,"  so  called  from  its  organization  and  concentra- 
tion of  power  in  the  city  of  Manchester  :  —  "  The  Grand  Annu- 
al Movable  Committee,"  consisting  of  Representatives  from 
districts  in  the  ratio  of  one  for  every  thousand  members,  is  the 
sovereign  depository  of  the  power  of  the  Order,  not  only  in  re- 
lation to  the  work,  but  also  in  reference  to  the  entire  detail  of 
government,  descending  even  to  all  the  rules  and  regulations  of 
subordinate  Lodges,  and  leaving  with  them  the  isolated  power 
of  making  By-Laws  not  inconsistent  with  the  enactments  of  the 
Grand  A.  M.  C.  This  body  is  constitutionally  movable  in  its 
character  and  absolute  in  its  powers.  It  assembles  annually, 
on  Whitsun-week,  which  is  in  England  a  period  of  universal 
holyday,  at  which  time  a  Grand-Master  and  Board  of  Directors 
are  elected  ;  all  of  wham  must  be  residents  of  the  city  of  Man- 
chester. This  Board  exercises  during  the  recess  a  supervisory 
jurisdiction  over  all  the  affairs  of  the  Order  :  it  usually  ex- 
pounds the  laws  ;  responds  to  all  applications  for  instruction  or 
advice  ;  and  heretofore  was  an  integral  part  of  a  standing  com- 
mittee for  the  determination  of  all  questions  of  grievance  subject 
to  the  final  action  of  the  Grand  A.  M.  C.  The  propriety  of  a 
change  of  this  government,  we  are  informed,  is  under  advisement 

f  At  the  session  held  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  Sept.,  1850,  the 
following  amendment  to  the  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
l>f  the  United  States  was  adopted  :  —  "Past  Grand-Sires  shall 
be  admitted  to  seats  in  this  GrandLodge,  with  the  power  of 
debating,  and  making  motions,  but  shall  not  Jiave  the  privilegf 
of  voting,  unless  they  be  Representatives." 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  51 

transacts  its  business  in  secret;  but  any  P.  G.  who 
shall  have  attained  to  the  Royal-Purple  Degree,  and 
who  is  in  "  good  standing,"  may,  by  being  introduced 
by  a  Grand  Representative  from  his  jurisdiction,  be 
admitted  to  its  meetings. 

The  State  Grand  Lodges  and  Grand  Encampments 
are  the  heads  of  the  Order  in  the  localities  where  they 
are  severally  established.  Five  or  more  subordinate 
Lodges  or  Encampments  —  having  been  previously 
instituted  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States, 
and  which  are  under  its  jurisdiction* — located  in  any 
State,  District,  or  Territory,  wherein  reside  seven  Past 
Grands,  or  seven  Past  Chief-Patriarchs,  in  good  stand- 
ing, may  petition  for  and  obtain  from  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  the  United  States  a  Charter  for  a  Grand  Lodge,  or 
for  a  Grand  Encampment.  These  consist  of  Repre- 
sentatives from  the  Lodges  or  Encampments,  which 
usually  comprise  all  the  Past  Grands,  or  the  Past 
Chief- Patriarchs  —  and  sometimes  the  Past  High- 
Priests- —  of  the  subordinates.  Their  chief  officer  is 
a  Grand-Master,  or  a  Grand-Patriarch,  who  is  elected 
annually  by  the  Past  Grands,  or  by  the  Past  Chief- 

*  Upon  the  petition  of  five  brothers  of  the  Order,  in  good 
standing,  praying  for  a  Charter  to  open  a  subordinate  Lodge,  or 
of  seven  patriarchs  for  one  to  open  a  subordinate  Encampment, 
in  a  State,  District,  or  Territory,  where  a  Grand  Lodge  or 
Grand  Encampment  has  not  been  established,  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  the  United  States  will  grant  the  same.  Such  Lodge  or  En- 
campment will  be  organized  by  a  Past  Grand,  or  a  Past  Chief- 
Patriarch,  by  authority  from  the  Grand-Sire.  Such  petition, 
accompanied  by  the  Charter-fee  (thirty  dollars),  must  be  for- 
warded to  the  Grand- Secretary  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
United  States,  at  Baltimore,  Md.  The  form  of  the  petition  is 
similar  to  that  submitted  to  a  State  Grand  Lodge.  (See  p.  55.) 


52  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

Patriarchs  and  Past  High-Priests.  The  State  Grand 
Lodges  and  Grand  Encampments  have  power  to  grant 
and  revoke  Charters  for  subordinates  in  their  several 
jurisdictions,  and  to  make  such  laws  as  may  appertain 
to  the  Order  in  their  localities.  No  person,  except  a 
Past  Grand,  or  a  Past  Chief-Patriarch,  or  Past  High- 
Priest,  is  permitted  to  visit  the  Grand  Bodies.  Past 
Grands  are  of  the  Grand  Lodges ;  Pasfc  Chief-Patri- 
archs and  Past  High-Priests  of  the  Grand  Encamp- 
ments :  these  bodies  are  entirely  separate  and  distinct 
from  each  other 

The  subordinate  Lodges  consist  of  what  may  be  ap- 
propriately called  "  THE  PEOPLE  : "  from  these,  in 
a  true  and  legitimate  sense,  proceed  Encampments, 
Grand  Lodges,  Grand  Encampments,  and,  finally,  the 
"  supreme  head  of  the  Order."  They  comprise  a  va- 
riety of  minds ;  but  we  may  confidently  say,  they  are 
of  one  heart.  The  chief  officer  of  a  subordinate 
Lodge  is  called  a  Noble-Grand;  he  is  elected  semi- 
annually ;  he  presides  over  and  conducts  the  business 
of  the  Lodge.  Other  officers  are  elected  and  ap- 
pointed to  support  and  assist  him  in  his  duties.  We 
have  previously  stated  what  qualifications  are  neces- 
sary to  entitle  a  gentleman  to  membership.  The  man- 
ner of  introducing  candidates  is  as  follows :  —  A 
brother  of  the  Lodge  proposes  his  friend,  whom  he 
must  be  willing  to  recommend.  On  the  reception  of 
the  proposition,  a  committee  is  at  once  appointed, 
whose  business  it  is  to  ascertain  the  character,  age, 
condition  of  health,  and  standing  of  the  applicant.  If 
this  committee,  after  due  investigation,  report  that 
they  believe  him  worthy,  he  is  "  balloted  for,"  and  if 
two  (or  three)  black  balls  (as  the  local  law  prescribes) 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.        53 

appear  against  him,  he  is  rejected ;  if  not,  he  is  elected.* 
At  the  next  meeting  he  may  be  initiated ;  but  should 
he  fail  to  present  himself  for  six  meetings,  his  election 
is  void,  unless  a  satisfactory  excuse  is  offered.  Three 
months  after  initiation,  he  may  apply  for  the  first  and 
second  Degrees  ;  four  weeks  after  receiving  the  second, 
he  may  apply  for  the  third  and  fourth ;  and  four 
weeks  after  obtaining  the  fourth,  he  may  apply  for 
the  fifth  Degree.  In  every  case  the  Lodge  must  be 
opened  in  the  Degree  applied  for  when  the  vote  is 
taken.  The  Degrees  may  be  conferred  by  the  Lodge, 
or  by  a  "  Degree  Lodge." 

The  Encampments  consist  of  brothers  who  belong 
to  the  Lodges,  and  who  must  have  attained  to  the  fifth, 
or  Scarlet  Degree.  No  person  can  be  admitted  to 
membership  in  an  Encampment,  unless  he  be  a  Scar- 
let-Degree member,  in  good  standing.  Encampments 
comprise  three  Degrees,  which  are  considered  by 
many  the  sublimest  of  Odd-Fellowship.  Their  prin- 
cipal officers  consist  of  a  Chief-Patriarch  and  a  High" 
Priest ;  whose  duties  are  to  preside  over,  and  perform 
the  work  of,  the  Encampment.  No  brother  of  the 
Order  should  be  content  with  his  advancement  to  the 
Scarlet,  or  final  Degree  of  his  Lodge  ;  he  should  pro- 
ceed through  the  Encampment  to  the  last,  or  Royal- 
Purple  Degree.  Such  elevation  will  entitle  him  to 
privileges  and  advantages  of  much  value. t 

*  The  reader  will  observe  a  repetition  of  this  on  page  99. 
A  full  explanation  of  the  introduction  of  members,  and  other 
matters  connected  with  the  government  of  a  subordinate  Lodge, 
will  be  found  under  the  head,  "  The  Subordinate  Lodge,"  p.  55. 

t  We  have  given  in  the  foregoing  a  mere  outline  of  the  va- 
rious branches  of  the  Order.     Elsewhere  in  this  Book  we  fur- 
nish a  full  explanation  of  those  several  bodies  under  their  ap- 
prupriate  titl«-i$. 
5* 


54  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


A  WORD   TO  THE  NEOPHYTE. 

IT  may  be  considered  an  important  period  of  life 
in  which  a  man  enters  a  Lodge  of  Odd-Fellows. 
The  duties  there  taught  him,  and  the  lessons  incul- 
cated throughout  the  progress  he  may  make  in  the 
Order,  will  tend,  if  he  be  true  to  his  nature,  to  his 
moral  and  intellectual  advancement,  and  consequently 
to  his  happiness.  He  should  therefore  prepare  his 
mind  for  the  task  he  has  undertaken,  and  determine  to 
be  attentive  to  the  instructions  he  is  about  to  receive. 
He  will  find  in  these  instructions  the  voice  of  Wis- 
dom and  Truth  ;  and  he  will  see  that  whoever  shall 
heed  and  obey  them  must  be  respected  by  the  wise 
and  virtuous.  They  teach  him  his  duty  to  his  God, 
his  country,  his  neighbor,  his  family,  and  himself; 
they  show  him  how  he  may  live  in  the  enjoyment  of  a 
peaceful,  contented  mind  —  which  is  the  highest  wealth 
a  mortal  need  desire  ;  they  demonstrate  to  him  that 
"  vice  is  a  monster  of  such  frightful  mien,"  that  it 
should  be  shunned  and  hated  ;  they  persuade  him  that 
there  is  in  Fraternal  Union  and  Love  the  truest,  sub- 
limest  pleasure  ;  they  lead  him  to  obedience  of  the 
commands  of  his  Divine  Maker,  in  which  he  can  nol 
fail  to  be  blessed  in  life,  death,  and  eternity. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  55 

THE  SUBORDINATE  LODGE.* 

A  LODGE  must  be  constituted  by  at  least  five  mem- 
bers, including  one  qualified  to  preside  at  its  meetings; 
the  qualifications  necessary  being  that  such  presiding 
officer  must  have  been  instructed  in  the  five  Degrees. 
The  Vice-Grand,  Secretary,  Treasurer,  O.  Guardian, 
and  Warden  must  also  have  received  the  five  Degrees. 
Any  number  of  brothers  not  less  than  five,  holding 
clearance  or  withdrawal  cards,  or  dismissal  certificates 
from  the  Lodge  or  Lodges  to  which  they  were  pre- 
viously attached,  may  apply  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  a 
State  (or  in  case  there  is  no  Grand  Lodge  in  the  State, 
District,  or  Territory,  in  which  they  reside,  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States)  for  a  Charter  to 
open  a  Lodge,  in  the  following  words : — 

14  The  petition  of  the  undersigned,  holding  withdrawal-cards 
from  Lodges  legally  recognised  by  your  Right  Worthy  Body, 
respectfully  represents,  that  it  would  be  consistent  with  the  ad- 
vantage of  the  Order  to  establish  a  Lodge,  to  be  located  at 
blank.  Wherefore,  your  petitioners  pray,  that  a  Charter  (or 
Warrant)  may  duly  issue  in  pursuance  of  the  laws  of  your 
R.  W.  Body." 

This,  accompanied  by  the  Charter-fee  (usually  thirty 
dollars),  must  be  sent  to  the  Grand-Secretary,  who 
will  lay  it  before  tho  Grand  Lodge,  which  will  author- 
ize a  Charter  in  the  following  form  :  — 

*  As  subordinate  Lodges  usually  receive  their  Constitution  from 
their  respective  Grand  Lodges,  there  can  be  no  strictly  uniform 
"form  "  in  minor  details.  The  article  is  in  conformity  to  the  prin- 
ciples of  all.  The  number  reqiired  to  obtain  a  Charter  varies  in 
different  localities  in  the  same  States,  as  well  as  in  the  different 
States,  consequently  there  is  no  uniform  law  on  this  and  on  other 
minor  matters. 


66  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


INDEPENDENT  ORDER  OF  ODD-FELLOWS. 

"  To  ALL  WHOM  IT  MAT  CONCERN  :  —  The  Grand  Lodge  of 
the  State  of  blank,  by  authority  of  a  Grand  Charter,  granted 
to  them  from  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States,  held  in 
the  City  of  Baltimore,  State  of  Maryland,  doth  hereby  grant 
this  Warrant  or  Dispensation,  to  a  number  of  brothers  of  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd-Fellows,  residing  in  the  State  of 
blank,  to  establish  a  Lodge  at  the  city  of  blank,  to  be  hailed  by 
the  title  of  blank,  for  the  encouragement  and  support  of  brothers 
of  the  said  Order,  when  on  travel  or  otherwise.  And  the  said 
Lodge,  being  duly  formed,  is  hereby  authorized  and  empow- 
ered to  initiate  into  the  mysteries  of  the  said  Order  any  person 
or  persons  duly  proposed  and  approved,  according  to  the  laws 
of  Odd-Fellowship,  and  to  administer  to  true  brothers  all  the 
privileges  and  benefits  arising  therefrom  ;  and  to  enact  By- 
Laws  for  the  government  of  their  Lodge :  Provided  always, 
that  said  Lodge  do  act  according  to  the  Order,  and  in  conjunc- 
tion with,  and  obedience  to,  the  Grand  Lodge,  adhering  to  and 
supporting  the  articles  and  charges  delivered  with  this  Dispen- 
sation ;  in  default  whereof,  this  Warrant  or  Dispensation  may 
be  suspended,  or  taken  away,  at  the  decision  of  the  Grand 
Ludge. 

44  AND  FURTHER,  the  Grand  Lodge  (in  consideration  of  the 
due  performance  of  the  above)  do  bind  themselves  to  repair  all 
damages  or  destruction  of  the  Dispensation,  or  charges,  whether 
by  fire  or  other  accident :  Provided  sufficient  proof  be  given  that 
there  is  no  illegal  concealment  or  wilful  destruction  of  the  same. 
And  the  Grand  Lodge  will  support  this  said  Lodge  in  the 
exercise  of  their  duty,  and  in  the  privileges  and  honors  of  the 
Order. 

44  In  witness  whereof,  we  have  displayed  the  colors  of  our  Or- 
der, and  subscribed  our  names,  and  affixed  the  seal  of 
[t.  s.]     the  Grand  Lodge  of  blank,  this  day  of 

one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 

(Signed  by  the  Grand-Master  and  all  officers  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  together  with  the  names  of  such  past  officers 
of  Lodges  as  may  choose  to  sign.) 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  57 

This  document  will  be  forwarded  to  the  brothers 
applying  for  the  Charter,  and  the  Lodge  will  be  or- 
ganized by  the  Grand-Master  or  his  Deputy,  or  a 
brother  authorized  by  the  Grand  Lodge  to  perform 
such  duty. 

The  first  business  of  a  Lodge  is,  of  course,  to 
increase  its  membership.  We  nave  elsewhere,  in  this 
work,  expressed  our  opinion  in  reference  to  the  cau- 
tion which  should  guide  Odd-Fellows  in  introducing 
individuals  for  membership.  We  are  aware  that  it  is 
extremely  desirable  to  every  Lodge,  especially  in  its 
commencement,  to  enlarge  its  numbers  ;  but  we  are 
sure  that  a  Lodge  never  loses  by  exercising  the  utmost 
surveillance  over  its  good  name.  One  improper  per- 
son admitted  will  often  restrain  a  dozen  worthy  men. 

The  name  of  a  person  desiring  membership  must 
be  proposed  by  a  member  in  writing,  stating  the  age, 
residence,  and  business  of  the  candidate ;  which  must 
be  referred  to  three  of  the  brothers  for  investigation, 
who  must  report  at  the  succeeding  regular  meeting, 
when  the  candidate  may  be  balloted  for  with  ball-bal- 
lots; and  if  not  more  than  two  black  balls  appear 
against  him,  he  will  be  elected ;  but  if  three  or  more  ap- 
pear, he  must  be  rejected,  and  so  declared.*  A  brother 
of  the  Order  wishing  to  become  a  member  of  a  Lodge 
must  present  his  card  or  dismissal  certificate  from  the 
Lodge  of  which  he  was  formerly  a  member,  which  will 
be  referred  to  a  committee  of  three ;  and  he  must  be  bal- 
loted for,  and  elected  or  rejected,  in  the  manner  above 
stated.  An  Ancient  Odd-Fellow, f  whose  card  is  out 

*  In  Pennsylvania  and  one  or  two  other  States,  two  black  balls 
ire  sufficient  to  reject. 

•j-  An  "  Ancient  Odd-Fellow"  is  a  person  who,  having  been 
regularly  initiated  into  a  legal  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order 


6S  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

of  date,  or  which  may  have  been  lost,  can  be  admitted 
hy  referring  his  application  to  a  committee,  and  dis- 
posing of  it  in  other  respects  as  explained  above; 
or  he  may  be  admitted  on  a  Dismissal  Certificate,  for 
which  see  page  219. 

When  a  candidate  is  rejected,  notice  must  be  sent 
to  the  Grand  Secretary  of  the  jurisdiction;  where 
there  is  no  Grand  Lodge,  to  the  adjoining  Lodges  in 
the  district.  No  rejected  person  can  be  proposed  in 
any  Lodge  under  six  months  from  the  time  of  re- 
jection. 

Any  brother  who  is  in  good  standing  in  his  Lodge — 
that  is,  who  is  not  in  arrears  for  dues  over  three  months, 
and  against  whom  there  is  no  charge  "  for  conduct  un- 
becoming an  Odd-Fellow  " — is  entitled  to  receive  from 
his  Lodge,  in  case  he  should  be  sick  or  disabled,  a  sum  of 
money  weekly.  The  amount  varies  in  extent — some  of 
the  Lodges  giving  twenty  dollars  per  week,  and  others 
four  or  five.  The  usual  allowance,  however,  is  five 
dollars  per  week.  Those  Lodges  which  give  large 
benefits  charge  large  initiation-fees  and  dues.  Every 
worthy  brother  has  a  positive  right  to  his  weekly  al 
lovvance.  Neither  is  its  payment  to  him  a  matter  of 
charity.  It  belongs  to  him  as  really  and  unqualifiedly 
as  would  insurance-money,  due  from  the  insurer  of 
property  against  loss  by  fire.  It  can  not  be  too  strongly 
impressed  upon  the  rninds  of  Odd-Fellows,  that  there 
is  no  humiliation  in  receiving  the  Lodge  benefits. 

In   case  of  the  death  of  a  worthy  brother,  there  is 

of  Odd-Fellows,  has  honorably  withdrawn,  by  card,  from  the 
Lodge  of  which  he  was  last  a  member;  and,  retaining  his  card, 
the  same  is  out  of  date,  by  reason  of  more  than  twelve  months 
having  transpired  since  it  was  granted  ;  or,  having  lost  his  card, 
good  and  satisfactory  evidence  is  presented  of  his  honorable  with 
drawal  from  the  Lodge  in  which  he  was  last  in  membership. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  59 

allowed,  usually,  a  sum  not  less  than  thirty  dol- 
lars, to  defray  the  expenses  of  burial,  which  is  to  be 
paid  over,  without  delay,  to  the  deceased  brother's 
nearest  of  kin.'  The  N.  G.,  in  the  absence  of  compe- 
tent relations,  takes  charge  of  the  funeral,  and  defrays 
the  expense  thereof.  On  the  demise  of  the  wife  of  a 
worthy  brother,  a  sum  is  usually  allowed,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  assisting  in  the  funeral  expenses. 

Any  brother  who  may  offend  against  the  laws  of  the 
land,  or  of  the  Order,  is  punished  by  his  Lodge.  And 
all  persons  in  arrears  beyond  the  time  specified  in  the 
By-Laws  for  payment  of  dues,  are  liable  to  be  suspended. 
The  success  and  usefulness  of  a  Lodge  depend  much 
upon  the  integrity  and  character  of  its  members,  and 
upon  the  faithful  payment  of  its  dues ;  and  it  cannot 
be  too  circumspect  in  watching  over  the  one,  and  en- 
forcing a  rigid  observance  of  the  other.  Yet  every 
man  should  have  a  fair  trial  for  an  offence  involving 
either  expulsion,  suspension,*  or  reprimand ;  neither 
should  a  man  be  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues 
until  every  warning  and  facility  shall  have  been  given 
him,  to  induce  or  aid  him  in  liquidating  the  claims 
against  him. 

*  For  offences  against  the  laws,  after  due  trial,  brothers  may 
be  suspended  for  a  definite  period,  to  be  fixed  by  the  Lodge.  The 
time  must  not  be  of  unreasonable  length.  When  a  brother  has 
been  expelled,  he  may  be  reinstated  by  consent  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
on  application  from  his  subordinate  Lodge.  A  penalty  of  suspen- 
sion or  expulsion  imposed  by  a  Lodge  affects  the  member's  stand- 
ing in  his  Encampment  to  the  same  extent  as  in  the  Lodge ;  but  a 
penalty  by  the  Encampment  does  not  reach  the  brother's  standing 
in  his  Lodge.  Restoration  to  membership  in  the  Lodge  restores 
membership  in  the  Encampment  also. 


60  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

No  member  of  a  Lodge  can  be  put  on  trial,  unless 
charges  duly  specifying  his  offence  be  submitted  to  the 
Lodge  in  writing  by  a  brother  of  the  Order,  except 
when  made  liable  by  non-payment  of  dues,  in  which 
case  he  is  usually  suspended  by  the  action  of  the  By- 
Laws  of  his  Lodge.  When  the  charge  or  charges, 
with  distinct  specifications,  have  been  preferred  against 
a  brother,  he  must  be  officially  informed  of  the  same, 

and  at  the  next  meeting  a  committee  of brothers 

shall  be  appointed,  as  the  By-Laws  direct,  who  shall, 
as  soon  as  practicable,  notify  the  accused  and  the 
accuser  of  the  time  and  place  of  meeting  for  the  pur- 
pose of  hearing  the  parties,  their  proofs  and  witnesses. 
They  shall  keep  a  correct  and  full  record  of  the  testi- 
mony of  each  witness,  which,  after  being  read  to  him, 
he  should  subscribe.  After  all  the  evidence  for  the 
prosecution  shall  have  been  heard,  reasonable  time 
shall  be  given  the  defendant  to  produce  his  witnesses, 
and,  when  through,  other  evidence  from  either  party 
shall  be  received,  until  all  desired  is  admitted.  When 
the  parties  have  been  heard,  should  they  desire  to 
address  the  committee,  they  must  retire,  to  give  the 
committee  an  opportunity  to  make  a  decision.  The 
committee  shall  submit  a  written  report  to  the  Lodge, 
with  all  the  testimony  they  have  taken.  The  report 
shall  be  read,  and  the  evidence,  if  called  for ;  but 
should  the  reading  of  the  evidence  be  called  for,  the 
whole  must  be  read.  The  committee  may  or  may  not 
recommend  the  measure  of  punishment,  should  they 
report  the  accused  guilty.  After  the  accused  has  had 
an  opportunity  of  being  heard  before  the  Lodge,  he 
must  retire,  and  a  vote  by  ballot  taken  on  the  adop- 
tion of  the  report :  a  white  ball  in  the  affirmative,  a 
black  ball  in  the  negative.  Should  the  majority  of 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  61 

the  balls  be  white,  the  report  is  adopted ;  if  black,  it 
is  rejected.  A  motion  shall  then  be  made  as  to  the 
punishment,  the  vote  to  be  taken  by  ballot :  if  the 
motion  is  suspension,  or  fine,  or  reprimand,  a  majority 
shall  decide;  if  expulsion,  two-thirds  of  the  votes 
polled  are  required.  When  a  motion  is  pending  to 
expel,  it  is  subject  to  amendment. 

Should  the  member  tried  feel  aggrieved  by  the 
decision  of  his  Lodge,  he  may  appeal  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  his  jurisdiction,  according  to  the  provision 
of  the  laws  thereof,  whose  decision  is  final,  unless  a 
rehearing  is  granted  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  an  ap- 
peal permitted  by  it  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United 
States.  Should  the  accused  be  acquitted  by  his  Lodge, 
its  decision  is  final :  the  accuser  has  no  appeal  from 
its  decision.  When  a  member  has  been  suspended  for 
a  definite  time,  his  dues  accrue  the  same  as  if  he  were 
in  good  standing,  and  at  the  expiration  of  the  time 
named  he  resumes  his  rights  in  the  Lodge  without  any 
formality  or  action  of  the  Lodge. 

The  members  of  a  Lodge  should  ever  regard  the 
feelings  of  each  other.  They  should  treat  each  other 
with  due  delicacy  and  respect ;  and  all  ungenerous 
remarks,  personal  allusions,  or  sarcastic  language,  by 
which  the  feelings  of  any  brother  may  be  wounded, 
arid  the  most  prominent  of  our  objects  (Friendship, 
Charity,  and  Harmony)  be  interrupted  or  defeated, 
should  be  carefully  avoided.  All  the  discussions 
should  be  conducted  in  that  spirit  of  candor,  modera- 
tion, and  open  generosity,  which  leads  men  to  the  altar 
of  concord  and  good-fellowship  ;  and  the  presiding 
officer  of  a  Lodge  should  have  the  aid  of  every  brother 
in  his  endeavor  tr  repress  anything  to  the  contrary. 
6 


62  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

It  is  right  and  proper,  and  to  be  expected,  that  breth- 
ren will  differ  in  regard  to  various  matters  which  may 
be  brought  before  the  Lodge ;  but  surely  there  is  no 
good  reason  why  an  honest  difference  of  opinion  should 
lead  to  angry  contention  and  animosity. 

The  following  order  of  business  and  rules  of  order 
for  the  government  of  a  Lodge  are  such  as  should  be 
adopted  by  all  well-regulated  Lodges  of  Odd-Fellows ; 
and  we  cannot  do  better,  in  concluding  this  branch  of 
our  subject,  than  to  present  them,  for  the  instruction 
and  the  study  of  the  readers  of  this  work  :  — 

ORDER  OF  BUSIKESS. 

1.  As  soon  as  the  N".  G  takes  the  chair,  and  calls  the  Lodge 
to  order  at  the  sound  of  the  gavel,  the  officers  shall  explain  their 
respective  duties. 

2.  Calling  the  roll  of  officers,  and  reading  the  last  minutes. 

3.  Report  of  the  Committee  of  Relief,  Sickness,  and  Distress. 

4.  Consideration  of  previous  proposals  for  membership. 

5.  Initiation  of  new  members. 

6.  Reception  of  new  proposals  for  membership. 

7.  Unfinished  business  appearing  on  the  minutes. 

8.  Has  any  brother  anything  to  ofier  for  the  good  of  this 
Order? 

RULES  OF  ORDER  FOR  SUBORDINATE  LODGES. 


NOBLE    GRAND. 

1.  The  Noble  Grand  shall  preserve  order  and  pronounce  the 
decision  of  the  Lodge  on  all  subjects ;  he  shall  decide  questions 
of  order  without  debate,  subject  to  an  appeal  to  the  Lodge  by 
any  three  members,  on  which  appeal  no  member  shall  speak 
but  once.  The  question  shall  be  taken  by  the  Vice  Grand  as 
follows :  "  Shall  the  decision  of  the  chair  stand  as  the  judgment 
of  the  Lodge?' 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.       63 

2.  Before  putting  the  question,  the  Noble  Grand  shall  ask, 
"  Is  the  Lodge  ready  for  the  question  ?  "     If  no  member  rise  to 
speak,  he  shall  rise  and  put  it ;  after  he  has  risen,  no  member 
shall  be  permitted  to  speak  upon  it.     Whilst  the  Noble  Grand 
is  addressing  the  Lodge,  or  putting  a  question,  silence  shall  be 
observed  in  the  Lodge-room. 

3.  The  Noble  Grand,  or  any  member  doubting  the  decision 
of  the  question,  may  call  for  a  division  of  the  Lodge;  upon  which 
division,  those  voting  in  the  affirmative  shall  rise  and  stand 
until  counted,  after  which  those  voting  in  the  negative  shall 
rise  and  stand  until  counted.     The  Warden  shall  count  the  vote, 
and  report  the  number  to  the  Noble  Grand  as  each  is  ascer- 
tained. 

MOTIONS. 

4.  No  motion  shall  be  subject  to  debate  until  it  shall  have 
been  seconded  and  stated  from  the  chair ;  it  shall  be  reduced 
to  writing  at  the  request  of  any  two  members. 

5.  Any  member  offering  a  motion,  or  desiring  to  speak  on 
any  question,  shall  rise  and  address  the  Noble  Grand,  and  be 
recognized  by  him ;  he  shall  confine  himself  to  the  subject 
under  debate,  and  avoid  all  personal,  indecorous,  and  sarcastic 
language. 

6.  When  a  question  is  before  the  Lodge,  no  motion  shall  be 
in  order,  except,  first,  for  the  previous  question ;  second,  to  lie 
on  the  table.     These  two  shall  be  decided  without  debate. 
Third,  to  postpone  indefinitely  ;  fourth,  to  postpone  for  a  cer- 
tain time ;    fifth,  to  divide ;    sixth,  to   commit ;  seventh,  to 
amend.     All  of  which  motions  shall  have  precedence  in  the 
above  order. 

7.  A  motion  for  the  "previous  question,"  seconded  by  five 
members,  shall  preclude  further  amendment  or  debate,  and  the 
Noble  Grand  shall  immediately  arise  and  put  the  question  thus, 
"  Shall  the  main  question  be  now  put  ?  "    If  a  majority  vote  in 
the  affirmative,  then  the  vote  on  pending  amendments,  and 
original  motion,  shall  immediately  be  taken  without  amend- 
ment or  debate. 

8.  No  motion  for  a  reconsideration  shall  be  entertained,  un- 
less made  by  a  member  who  voted  on  the  prevailing  side  in  the 


64  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

first  instance.  The  motion  to  reconsider  shall  be  made  at  the 
same  or  the  next  succeeding  meeting,  and  cannot  be  entertained 
if  longer  delayed. 

9.  A  motion  to  close  is  always  in  order  after  the  regular 
business  has  been  gone  through  (except  when  a  vote  under  the 
previous  question  is  pending) ;  if  decided  in  the  affirmative, 
the  Lodge  must  be  closed  in  form. 

10.  The  name  of  the  member  making  a  motion  or  offering  a 
resolution  shall  be  entered  on  the  minutes. 

SPEAKING. 

11.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  once  on  the  same 
subject  or  motion,  until  all  who  desire  it  shall  have  had  an 
opportunity  of  being  heard,  nor  more  than  twice  without  per- 
mission from  the  chair.     While  speaking,  each  member  shall 
designate  the  person  spoken  of  by  his  proper  rank  or  title. 

12.  No  member  shall  be  interrupted  while  speaking,  except 
it  be  to  call  him  to  order,  when  he  shall  take  his  seat  until  the 
question  of  order  is  determined,  when,  if  permitted,  he  may 
proceed  with  his  remarks. 

13.  If  two  or  more  members  rise  to  speak  at  the  same  time, 
the  Noble  Grand  shall  decide  which  is  entitled  to  the  floor. 

QUESTIONS. 

14.  When  a  blank  is  to  be  filled,  the  question  shall  be  first 
taken  on  the  highest  sum  or  number,  and  the  longest  and  latest 
time  proposed. 

15.  Any  member  may  call  for  a  division  of  the  question  when 
the  sense  will  admit  of  it.     But  a  motion  to  strike  out  and  in- 
sert shall  be  indivisible. 

16.  When  a  question  is  postponed  indefinitely,  it  shall  not  be 
acted  on  again  during  that  or  the  next  succeeding   stated 
meeting. 

17.  The  affirmative  of  any  question  shall  be  first  put,  and 
then  the  negative.     In  matters  of  form,  such  as  reading  re- 
ports or  other  communications,  withdrawing  motions,  &c.,  the 
reading  may  be  ordered  or  the  request  granted  by  the  Noble 
Grand  stating  "if  no  objections  are  raised"  the  reading  shall 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.       65 

proceed,  or  the  request  shall  be  granted  without  the  formality 
of  a  vote. 

VOTING. 

18.  Every  member  present  entitled  to  vote  on  questions  be- 
fore the  Lodge,  shall  do  so  unless  excused  by  the  Lodge. 

19.  On  the  call  of  one-third  of  the  members  present,  the 
names  of  all  brothers  voting  in  the  affirmative  and  in  the  neg- 
ative shall  be  recorded  in  the  minutes. 

20.  No  member  shall  be  permitted  to  speak  or  vote  unless 
clothed  in  the  regalia  of  his  rank  or  station  in  the  Lodge. 

COMMITTEES. 

21.  The  person  first  named  on  a  Committee  shall  act  as 
chairman  until  another  is  chosen  by  the  Committee. 

22.  Any  member  may  excuse  himself  from  serving  on  a 
Committee,  if,  at  the  time  of  his  appointment,  he  is  a  member 
of  two  other  Committees. 

23.  No  Committee  can  be  discharged  until  all  the  debts  con- 
tracted by  it  are  paid. 

IMPEOPEE   CONDUCT. 

24.  Any  member  who  shall  misbehave  in  the  meetings  of 
the  Lodge,  by  disturbing  the  order  or  harmony  thereof,  either 
by  personally  abusive  or  profane  language,  or  disorderly  con- 
duct, or  who  shall  refuse  obedience  to  the  Noble  Grand,  shall 
first  be  admonished  of  his  offence  from  the  chair ;  if  he  again 
offend,  he  shall  be  excluded  from  the  room  for  the  evening, 
and  afterwards  be  dealt  with  as  the  By-Laws  shall  prescribe. 

6*  E 


66  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


THE   OFFICERS   OF  A  LODGE. 

THE  elective  officers  of  a  Lodge  are,  Noble-Grand, 
Vice-Grand,  Secretary,  Permanent  Secretary,  Record- 
ing Secretary,  or,  as  in  some  jurisdictions,  Secretary, 
Assistant  Secretary,  and  Treasurer.  The  N.  G.,  V.  G., 
and  Assistant  Secretary  are  elected  for  six  months,  and 
during  their  term  of  office  are  generally  the  "  relief 
committee,"  who  visit  the  sick,  report  weekly  on  their 
condition,  and  receive  from  the  Treasurer  and  pay  the 
sick  brother  his  weekly  benefits.  The  Permanent  Sec- 
retary (Secretary)  and  Treasurer  are  usually  elected  for 
one  year.  In  nearly  every  Lodge  there  are  elected  an- 
nually three  members  as  Trustees,  and  in  some  Lodges 
three  or  more  who  have  the  care  of  widows  and  orphans 
of  deceased  members. 


THE  NOBLE-GRAND. 

THE  elevation  of  a  brother  to  the  highest  position 
in  a  Lodge,  is  a  distinction  of  which  he  may  reason- 
ably be  proud.  It  confers  upon  him  a  dignity,  and  enti- 
tles him  to  present  and  prospective  privileges,  which, 
as  an  Odd-Fellow,  he  may  justly  regard  of  inestimable 
value.  He  should,  therefore,  having  such  an  appre- 
ciation of  the  honor  conferred  upon  him,  endeavor, 
by  his  faithfulness  to  the  Lodge,  in  both  his  official 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.      67 

and  unofficial  capacity,  to  evince  his  sense  of  grate- 
fulness for  such  honor. 

Much  of  the  peace,  harmony,  and  prosperity  of  the 
Lodge  will,  of  course,  depend  upon  him ;  it  is  there- 
fore necessary  that  he  should  deeply  impress  on  his 
mind  the  important  duties  of  his  station.  In  the  per- 
formance of  those  duties  he  should  be  strictly  honest 
and  correct,  and  should  by  no  means  permit  his  feel- 
ings—  his  "likes  or  dislikes" — to  interfere  with  the 
justice  of  his  government  or  the  integrity  of  his  decis- 
ions. He  should  act  without  fear  or  partiality  ;  be 
zealous,  yet  temper  his  zeal  with  prudence ;  and  al- 
ways, even  in  the  most  trying  circumstances,  maintain 
a  tranquil  temper,  a  generous  disposition,  and  an  un- 
sullied veracity.  If  he  acquire  for  himself  a  reputation 
for  the  most  unbending  integrity  and  firmness,  his  de- 
cisions and  instructions  will  not  only  be  received  with 
respect,  but  attentively  observed.  By  the  laws  of  the 
Order  he  is  required  to  support  and  maintain  the  rules 
and  regulations  of  those  bodies  to  which  his  Lodge  is 
subordinate,  and  to  enforce  a  strict  adherence  to  the 
laws  of  his  own  Lodge  ;  he  is  instructed  to  enforce 
those  laws,  and  to  preserve,  during  all  times,  in  his 
Lodge,  the  strictest  order  and  decorum  :  he  is  expected 
to  judge  of  every  transaction  that  may  come  before 
him,  while  presiding  over  the  deliberations  of  the 
Lodge,  impartially  and  without  prejudice. 

The  N.  G.,  being  the  head  and  director  of  the 
Lodge,  is  the  legal  custodian  of  its  Charter,  books  of 
charges,  and  lectures,  which  he  is  required  to  preserve 
carefully  during  his  term  of  office,  and  to  see  that  they 
shall  be  delivered  to  his  successor.  He  is  also  required 
to  see  that  all  officers  of  the  Lodge  and  members  of 
committees  perform  their  respective  duties,  as  enjoined 


68  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

by  the  laws  of  the  Order.  He  must  appoint  commit- 
tees; give  the  casting  vote  on  every  question  where 
there  is  a  tie ;  inspect  and  announce  the  result  of  all 
ballotings  or  other  votes  of  the  Lodge ;  convene  spe- 
cial meetings  of  the  Lodge  when  deemed  expedient ; 
draw  upon  the  Treasurer  for  all  sums  that  have  been 
voted  by  the  Lodge. 

It  is  not  proper  for  the  N.  G.  to  make  any  mo- 
tion or  resolution,  nor  to  take  part  in  any  debate, 
while  in  the  chair.  Neither  does  it  appear  well  for 
him  to  leave  the  Lodge  in  charge  of  a  brother,  for 
the  purpose  of  taking  part  in  a  debate.  He  has  the 
right  to  advise  and  to  speak  generally,  from  his  place, 
on  any  subject  of  a  general  nature  for  the  good  of  the 
Order  ;  but  he  should  not  enter  into  the  arena  of  de- 
bate, and  make  himself  a  party  in  any  question  before 
the  Lodge. 

In  the  selection  of  his  subordinate  officers,  the 
N.  G.  should  be  circumspect  and  discreet.  He  should 
endeavor  to  judge,  from  an  observation  of  the  intelli- 
gence of  the  brothers  of  his  Lodge,  which  of  them  are 
best  qualified  to  fill,  with  credit  to  the  Lodge  and  them- 
selves, the  various  duties  expected  of  them.  Espe- 
cially should  the  Conductor  and  Warden  of  a  Lodge 
be  men  of  capacity  and  intelligence  —  men  who  are 
competent  to  give  the  charges  peculiar  to  their  office 
in  a  dignified  and  impressive  manner. 

The  N.  G.  should  by  all  means  be  attentive  to  the 
sick  or  distressed  members  of  his  Lodge.  He  should 
be  the  first  to  call  on  his  brother  in  trouble  or  adver- 
sity, and  sympathize  with  and  aid  him  by  his  coun- 
sel or  advice.  Nor  should  he  consider  that  this  duty 
is  not  required  of  him,  but  only  of  the  committee 
appointed  for  this  purpose.  Such  is  an  erroneous 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  69 

impression,  which  ought  to  be  at  all  times  corrected, 
wherever  it  prevails.  It  is  as  much  consistent  with 
the  duty  and  obligations  of  the  head  of  a  Lodge  to 
visit  weekly  his  sick  or  disabled  brothers,  as  it  is  for 
him  to  be  present  each  week  at  the  opening  of  his 
Lodge.  And  such  sick  or  distressed  brothers  may 
properly  feel  aggrieved,  if  neglected  by  him  to  whom, 
as  an  Odd-Fellow,  they  naturally  look  for  sympathy 
and  condolence  in  their  time  of  trouble. 


THE  VICE-GRAND. 

THE  Vice-Grand,  who  is  second  in  authority  in  the 
Lodge,  and  who,  if  he  conduct  himself  with  propri- 
ety, is  always  sure  to  succeed  to  the  highest  place  in 
the  gift  of  his  brethren,  should  regard  the  situation  he 
occupies  as  one  in  which  he  has  abundant  facility  to 
make  himself  acquainted  with  the  duties  and  require- 
ments of  the  office  he  will,  in  a  short  time,  be  called 
upon  to  fill.  During  the  term  of  his  occupancy  of 
the  "  lower  chair,"  therefore,  he  should  make  it  a 
part  of  his  business  to  acquire  a  correct  understanding 
of  the  laws  he  will  be  expected  to  enforce,  and  to 
study  the  dispositions  and  qualities  of  those  he  will  be 
called  upon  to  govern.  By  so  doing,  he  will  be  pre- 
pared to  perform,  with  credit  to  himself  and  advan- 
tage to  the  Lodge,  the  duties  we  have,  in  the  prece- 
ding pages,  described  as  those  appertaining  to  the 
office^  of  a  Noble-Grand. 

It  is  expected  of  the  Vice-Grand,  while  in  the  dis- 
charge of  his  office  as  such,  that  he  will  assist  the 
N.  G.  in  the  execution  of  his  duties,  and  use  his 
utmost  efforts  to  promote  the  harmonv  and  welfare  of 


70  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-UOOK. 

the  Lodge,  and  to  increase  love  among  his  brethren  ; 
and  that  he  will  check  or  restrain  every  improper  sen- 
timent that  may  be  uttered  by  any  brother,  in  or  out 
of  the  Lodge.  He  must  also  carefully  attend  to  the 
support  of  order  in  the  Lodge  :  and  it  is  his  duty  and 
his  privilege  to  advise  with  the  N.  G.  and  to  remind 
him  of  any  omission  of  anything  appertaining  to  his 
office  and  duty.  At  all  times,  when  the  N.  G.  is  ab- 
sent, the  V.  G.  takes  his  place  and  assumes  his  duties, 
and  is,  for  the  time  being,  the  head  of  the  Lodge, 
with  all  the  authority  of  a  principal  officer.  It  is 
also  his  duty  to  appoint  his  own  supporters  (two  in 
number) ;  to  assist  in  examining  the  ballotiugs  for 
members;  and  to  take  especial  charge  of  the  ingress 
and  egress  of  brothers  to  or  from  the  Lodge. 

The  V.  G.  also  should  make  it  his  business  to 
visit  weekly  his  sick  or  afflicted  brothers.  He  should 
not  esteem  this  duty  so  lightly  as  to  suppose  that  it 
attaches  merely  to  the  Visiting  Committee  and  to  his 
superior  officer;  but,  as  he  is  second  in  his  Lodge, 
and  must  soon  be  first,  he  must  remember,  not  only 
that  much  is  expected  of  him  in  his  present  position, 
but  that  a  visit  from  him,  and  a  few  words  of  encour- 
agement, to  a  brother  in  pain,  will  lighten  that  brother's 
burden,  at  the  same  time  that  they  raise  him  in  the 
estimation  of  all,  who  appreciate  such  conduct  in  those 
on  whom  honors  and  authority  have  been  conferred 
by  the  brethren. 


THE  SECRETARY. 

THE  office  of  Secretary  has  been  esteemed,  by  some, 
to  be  the  most  arduous  ?nd  responsible  situation  in  a 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  71 

Lodge.  We  would  not  wish  to  say  that  we  agree 
with  this  opinion,  nor  would  we  underrate  the  useful- 
ness and  labor  of  a  Secretary ;  but  we  are  of  opinion 
that  every  office,  while  it  requires  abilities  suited  to 
its  nature,  is  more  or  less  arduous,  if  it  be  faithfully 
filled.  Yet  the  Secretary's  is  a  most  important  post, 
and  one  which  requires  a  capacity  which  compara- 
tively few  men  possess.  A  correct  record  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  all  public  bodies  is  most  desirable.  The 
Secretary  of  a  Lodge  should  be  quick  of  comprehen- 
sion, and  possess  the  quality  of  writing,  or  in  some 
way  placing  ideas  promptly  in  his  memory,  so  rapidly 
as  to  obtain  an  accurate  record  of  every  subject  sug- 
gested or  acted  upon.  For,  frequently,  matters  of  the 
greatest  importance  must  be  decided  by  a  reference 
to  his  minutes  of  the  proceedings. 

It  is  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  to  keep  a  correct  and 
impartial  record  of  all  the  proceedings  of  a  Lodge  ;  to 
fill  up  summonses ;  to  write  all  letters  and  communi- 
cations that  may  be  ordered  by  the  Lodge  or  the  N.  G. ; 
to  fill  up  certificates  and  cards ;  to  keep  securely  the 
seal  and  books ;  to  attest  to  all  moneys  ordered  to  be 
paid  ;  to  furnish  to  the  Grand  Lodge  (at  the  end  of 
the  term)  a  correct  account  of  the  condition  of  the 
Lodge ;  and  to  answer,  by  direction  of  the  Lodge,  all 
communications  that  may  be  addressed  to  it.* 

*  He  usually  receives  pecuniary  consideration  for  his  services. 
Ordinarily,  he  is  elected  for  one  year.  It  is  his  duty  to  keep  just 
and  true  accounts  between  the  Lodge  and  its  members ;  to  collect 
all  dues,  fines,  and  assessments,  as  soon  as  imposed,  and  report  to 
the  Lodge  any  brother  neglecting  to  pay  the  same  when  duly  noti- 
fied ;  to  enter  the  charges  as  they  become  due,  and  credit  tho 
amounts  as  paid;  and  to  pay  them  to  the  Treasurer  immediately, tak- 
inghis  receipt.  He  must,at  the  time  required  by  the  By-La ws,notify 


72  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

The  Secretary  of  a  Lodge  should  endeavor  to  exer- 
cise toward  his  brethren,  who  may  apply  to  him  for 
information  relative  to  matters  in  his  charge,  the  utmost 
courtesy  and  forbearance.  He  should  be  willing  to 
take  some  trouble  to  enlighten  them  on  all  subjects 
connected  with  his  business,  into  which  they  have  the 
right  to  inquire ;  and  in  no  case  should  he  allow  him 
self  to  be  offended  at  what  he  may  consider  unneces- 
sary inquiry.  There  can  be  no  secret  rightfully  kept 
from  a  brother  of  the  Lodge.  He  has  the  right  to  de- 
mand information  relative  to  everything  that  is  done 
therein,  whether  it  be  in  his  presence  or  absence  ;  and 
as  the  Secretary  is  the  servant  of  the  Lodge,  he  must 
expect  to  be  called  upon  for  information  concerning 
its  transactions. 


THE  ASSISTANT  SECRETARY. 

THE  first  step  towards  the  Noble-Grand's  Chair,  in 
several  jurisdictions,is  to  be  elected  Assistant  Secretary ; 
and  in  this  direction  the  aspirations  of  the  working 
members  are  directed.  When  secure  in  this  office,  it 
rarely  happens  that  the  brother's  progress  to  advance- 
ment in  the  Order  is  arrested  until  he  is  crowned  with 
the  highest  honors  of  his  Lodge.  When  it  is  other- 

every  member  who  is  over  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears, of  the  amount 
due  by  him  to  the  Lodge.  At  the  end  of  each  term,  he  must  render 
to  the  Lodge  an  account  of  the  state  of  his  books.  He  must  keep 
his  accounts  regularly  posted,  and  be  ready  at  all  times  to  render 
statements  of  the  arrears  of  the  brethren,  so  that  their  rights  be 
not  abused.  No  person,  however,  is  at  liberty  to  interfere  with 
his  books,  except  the  N.  G.  of  his  Lodge,  or  the  Grand-Master  or 
his  Deputy. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT- BOOK.  73 

wise,  the  fault  is  that  of  the  brother  himself,  either 
from  neglect  of  duty  in  his  office,  or  from  conduct 
unbecoming  the  Order,  unfitting  him  for  the  responsi- 
ble and  exalted  position  to  which  this  office  leads. 

It  is  the  duty  of  the  Assistant  Secretary  to  assist 
the  Secretary  during  the  meetings  of  the  Lodge,  and 
in  the  absence  of  the  Secretary  to  perform  all  the 
duties  he  has  obligated  himself  to  do;  to  visit  the 
sick  during  the  week,  and  faithfully  to  co-operate 
with  the  N.  G.  and  V.  G.  in  this  important  duty ;  to 
be  attentive  to  the  details  of  Lodge  business,  so  that 
he  may  be  prepared  to  discharge  with  promptness 
and  dignity  the  important  duties  that  lie  before  him 
in  the  various  positions  to  which  he  may  be  called. 


THE  TREASURER. 

THE  Treasurer  of  a  Lodge  occupies  a  responsible 
and  important  office,  which  should  be  always  confided 
to  a  brother  known  to  possess  correct  business  habits 
and  the  strictest  honesty.  He  should  not  only  keep 
a  rigidly  correct  account  of  his  receipts  and  expendi- 
tures, but  be  always  in  possession  in  the  Lodge  of 
ample  funds  for  the  payment  of  benefits  voted  to  the 
sick  and  distressed  brothers,  and  for  all  other  pur- 
poses. 

It  is  the  duty  of  the  Treasurer  to  receive  at  each 
meeting  whatever  funds  may  be  paid  into  the  hands  of 
the  Secretary  (through  which  all  moneys  must  pass), 
and  be  so  correct,  careful,  and  honest,  as  to  give  the 
Lodge  the  most  complete  confidence  that  it  is  secure 
7 


74  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

from  any  pecuniary  loss.  He  should  be  ready,  when- 
ever called  upon,  to  inform  the  Lodge  of  its  pecuniary 
condition,  and  be  prepared  to  surrender,  at  any  mo 
ment,  his  trust  with  honor,  in  case  he  should  be  desired 
to  do  so.  It  has  been  well  and  truly  said,  for  the  con- 
sideration and  reflection  of  the  Treasurer,  that  "  on  the 
proper  management  of  the  fiscal  concerns  of  a  Lodge 
mainly  depends  its  ability  to  render  assistance  where 
it  is  needed,  and  at  the  time  it  may  be  required." 

No  Lodge  should  omit,  prior  to  his  installation,  to 
require  of  the  Treasurer  security  conditioned  for  the 
faithful  discharge  of  the  duties  of  his  office,  no  matter 
how  ample  his  means  apparently  may  be.  If  it  is 
not  required  of  a  brother  reputed  rich,  it  might  seem 
invidious  to  ask  it  of  one  who  is  esteemed  less  wealthy. 
It  should,  therefore,  never  be  dispensed  with.  The 
security  should  be  bona  fide,  so  that  no  member  may 
be  under  the  unpleasant  necessity  of  objecting  at  the 
installation.  No  motive  of  delicacy  should  suffer  the 
funds  of  the  Lodge  to  be  in  unsafe  keeping.  Many 
Lodges  have  been  nearly  ruined  by  this  false  delicacy. 

When  a  Lodge  has  a  safe,  attentive,  and  faithful 
Treasurer,  it  should  continue  to  elect  him  so  long  as 
he  can  be  prevailed  upon  to  retain  the  office. 


THE  CONDUCTOR. 

THE  office  of  Conductor  is  a  most  important  one  — 
one  which  few  men,  comparatively,  are  qualified  to  fill. 
The  Conductor  should  be  a  competent  reader,  and 
understand  something  also  of  elocution.  His  duty  is 
a  peculiar  one ;  in  fact,  on  the  impressions  he  may 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK-  75 

make  often  depend  the  subsequent  conduct  and  use- 
fulness of  the  Odd-Fellow. 

THE  WARDEN. 

THE  Warden,  also,  should  be  competent  to  read 
well,  and  to  make  a  proper  impression  on  the  neophyte. 
It  is  his  duty,  likewise,  to  see  that  the  regalia  for  the 
use  of  the  members,  at  the  opening  of  the  Lodge,  is 
properly  provided,  and  to  collect  and  preserve  it  in  a 
careful  manner  at  the  close.  When  a  division  is  de- 
manded, when  voting  upon  motions  and  resolutions,  he 
counts  the  members  voting  on  either  side,  and  acts  as 
messenger  of  the  Lodge  (during  its  sittings  only)  when 
desired  to  do  so.  He  must  also  see  that  no  improper 
person  is  in  the  Lodge  at  its  opening.  He  must  be 
a  Scarlet  Degree  member. 


THE  GUARDIANS. 

No  office  can  be  of  more  importance  than  that  of 
Guardian.  On  the  Guardian  much  depends.  If  he 
neglect  or  refuse  to  perform  his  duty,  the  Lodge  might 
soon  become  a  scene  of  confusion.  It  rests  with  him 
almost  entirely  whether  an  improper  person  shall  enter 
the  ante-chambers  of  the  Lodge.  He  should  therefore 
foe  wary,  and  promptly  require  every  person  whom  hs 
might  suspect,  to  give  a  good  account  of  himself,  or 
report  him  to  the  proper  officer.  He  should  be  a  man 
of  nerve,  too  —  one  who  would  not  for  a  moment  hesi- 
tate to  eject  forcibly,  if  requisite,  any  person  who  might 
presume  to  deceive  or  intrude  upon  the  Lodge.  The 
Outside  Guardian  must  be  a  Scarlet  Decree  member. 


76  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

THE  SUPPORTEKS. 

THESE  officers  are  more  useful  and  necessary  to  a 
Lodge  than  many  are  apt  to  suppose.  They  have 
duties  to  perform,  which,  in  more  than  one  sense,  are 
important.  Among  these,  not  the  least  is  that  which 
requires  them  to  call  the  attention  of  the  presiding 
officers  to  any  omission  of  the  members.  They  should 
ever  remember  that  the  eyes  of  the  brethren  are  upon 
them,  and  that  on  the  faithful  and  correct  performance 
of  their  duties  depend  in  a  great  measure  their  pros- 
pect of  future  preferment,  and  final  elevation  to  more 
responsible  positions. 


THE  CHAPLAIN. 

IT  is  optional  with  a  Lodge  whether  to  appoint  a 
Chaplain  or  not.  His  duty  is  to  open  and  close  the 
meetings  with  prayer  (using  none  other  than  the  pre- 
scribed form),  to  attend  at  funerals  of  deceased  broth- 
ers, and  to  officiate  on  all  public  occasions  where  the 
Lodge  may  require  his  attendance.  It  is  scarcely  ne- 
cessary to  add  that  the  Chaplain  should  be,  if  not  a 
religious,  at  least  a  moral  man. 


THE  JUNIOR  PAST-GRAND. 

ALTHOUGH  the  Junior  P.  G.  is  not,  properly  speak- 
ing, an  officer  of  the  Lodge,  he  holds  a  dignified  and 
honorable  position.  He  is  looked  upon  as  a  sort  of 
father — as  a  person  of  experience,  whose  opinion  is 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  77 

of  much  weight  —  and  he  should  always  be  ready  and 
competent  to  give  correct  counsel.  The  Lodge  looks 
to  him,  as  well  as  to  the  other  Past-Grands,  for  exam- 
ple. He  and  they  should  therefore  be  regular  attend- 
ants ;  they  should  manifest  a  concern  for  the  welfare 
of  the  Lodge  and  the  members,  and  evince  by  their 
conduct  that  they  have  not  lost  their  interest  in  the  Or- 
der since  they  had  received  the  highest  honor  their 
Lodge  could  bestow  upon  them. 


THE  GAVEL. 

EVERY  member  of  the  Order  is  so  familiar  with  the 
use  of  this  instrument,  as  our  emblem  of  authority, 
that  it  is  scarcely  necessary  to  advert  to  it  in  this  Man- 
ual. We  will  merely  say,  however,  that  our  familiarity 
with  it  as  Odd-Fellows  must  not  produce  in  our  minds 
a  forgetfulness  of  its  suggestions.  We  must  obey  the 
authority  it  represents  promptly  and  cheerfully ;  thas 
shall  order  ever  reign  in  our  Lodge. 


THE  COMMITTEES. 

1.  The  Relief  Committee. — This  is  the  most  im- 
portant committee  of  the  Lodge.  It  generally  con- 
sists of  the  N.  G.,  V.  G.,  and  (Assistant)  Secretary ; 
but,  where  Lodges  are  large,  other  members  act  with 
them,  by  election  or  appointment.  In  choosing  an 
Assistant  Secretary,  it  should  be  remembered  that  he 
is  likely  to  be  a  member  of  the  committee  for  eighteen 
months,  and  the  character  of  the  Lodge  in  a  measure 

depends  on  the  discharge  of  his  duty  thereon.     This 
7* 


78  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

committee  (or  a  member  of  it)  should  deem  it  their 
solemn  duty  to  visit  a  sick  brother  immediately  on 
learning  the  fact  of  his  illness.  And  they  should, 
in  their  turn,  each  visit  such  brother  once  at  least 
during  the  week,  and  report  such  visits  to  the  Lodge 
at  its  meeting.  "We  can  not  too  strongly  express  the 
"  solemn  obligation"  of  this  committee.  How  unlike 
the  true  spirit  of  Odd-Fellowship — what  a  mockery 
of  what  we  as  Odd-Fellows  profess — is  the  neglect  of 
a  man,  specially  appointed  for  the  purpose  of  carry- 
ing out  one  of  the  commands  of  our  Order,  to  aid 
and  comfort  his  sick  brother !  We  are  all  subject 
to  sickness ;  every  one  of  us,  in  his  turn,  may  some 
day  need  the  presence  and  assistance  of  a  member 
of  our  fraternity.  Oh !  if  we  refuse  our  assistance 
now  to  those  who  need  it — and  that  even  after  we 
have  specially  promised  it  by  accepting  a  certain  posi- 
tion in  our  Lodge  —  what  can  we  say  if,  when  our 
time  shall  come,  we  shall  suffer  by  a  similar  neglect? 

The  duties  of  this  Committee  of  Relief  do  not  mere- 
ly consist  in  visiting  and  conversing  with  a  sick  brother  : 
not  merely  in  saying,  "  How  do  you  feel  to-day  ?"  or. 
"  I  hope  you  will  soon  be  better."  No !  they  extend 
beyond  this.  They  teach  us  to  speak  cheerfully  to 
him  —  to  encourage  him  —  to  lead  his  thoughts  away 
from  the  natural  anxieties  of  a  sick  man.  They  teach 
us  to  approach  him  with  a  warm  heart  and  a  pleasant 
smile  ;  and  they  also  remind  us  that  it  is  oivr  privilege 
to  carry  to  him  any  little  article  of  fruit,  or  other  dainty, 
which  might  be  pleasant  to  his  taste,  or  conduce  to  his 
comfort.* 

*  I  can  not  resist  the  impulse  to  speak  here  of  a  matter  per- 
sonal to  myself;  for  it  illustrates  so  beautifully  the  true  spirit 
}f  OJd- Fellowship.  In  1844,  while  a  member  of  old  Jefferson 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  79 

There  are  other  duties  of  this  committee,  which  our 
space  will  not  permit  us  to  enumerate  and  enforce. 
But  there  is  one  other  that  we  will  mention  as  of  the 
utmost  importance.  It  is  this  :  Should  a  brother  die, 
and  leave  a  family  necessitous,  they  should  not  only 
report  such  fact  to  the  Lodge,  but  should  see  that  the 
proper  committee  use  every  diligence  to  relieve  their 
necessities,  and  guard  the  orphans  from  exposure  to 
the  vices  that  surround  them. 

Lodge,  No.  46,  New  York,  I  was  so  unfortunate  as  to  receive 
a  dangerous  injury  by  a  "runaway"  horse,  which  confined,  me 
to  my  room  for  several  months.  As  I  had  previously  led  a  very 
active  life,  it  may  be  reasonably  supposed  that  confinement  was 
torture  to  me.  But  during  my  illness  a  brother  of  my  Lodge,* 
who  resided  some  distance  from  me,  made  it  a  part  of  his  busi- 
ness to  call  on  me  nearly  if  not  quite  every  day.  And  he  ap- 
peared with  such  a  pleasant  smile,  and  so  buoyantly,  so  cheer- 
fully and  hopefully,  and  sat  and  talked  at  my  bedside  with  so 
much  interest  and  earnestness,  that  his  presence  came  to  be  an 
oasis  in  the  darkness  and  gloom  of  my  sick-chamber.  I  would 
look  out  of  the  window,  at  the  dreary  brick  walls  of  the  opposite 
side  of  the  street,  and  comfort  myself  with  the  thought  that 
to-morrow  my  brother  would  corne  and  compensate  me  by  his 
presence  for  the  monotony  of  to-day.  The  very  idea  of  his 
coming  would  bring  to  my  mind  the  green  fields,  and  the  flow- 
ers, and  the  rambles  of  the  country,  or  the  busy  world  of  the 
c:ty,  where  I  longed  once  more  to  be.  Thus,  day  by  day,  did 
he  appear,  and  encourage  me,  and  lead  my  mind  away  from  my 
loneliness,  and  by  his  hopeful  conversation  so  enliven  my  spirits 
a->  to  make  me  —  a  poor  cripple  that  could  scarcely  move  — 
hijipij !  Oh  !  how  much  better  is  it  thus  to  be  the  instrument 
<.f  such  happiness,  imparted  to  the  unfortunate,  than  to  wrap 
oneself  up  in  selfishness  —  for  neglect  to  perform  similar  offices 
tor  our  brother  is  the  grossest  selfishness  —  and  pass  our  leisure 
time  in  an  idleness  that  is  a  curse  to  ourselves  and  a  most  inhu- 
man injustice  to  our  neighbor!  —  p.  D. 

*  Why  should  I  hesitate  to  tell  his  name  ?  The  Rev.  BENJAMIN  B.  HALIOCK, 
late  of  Mohawk  village,  Herkimer  county,  N.  Y.,  was  not  a  man  to  be  either  flat- 
tered or  offended  by  a  statement  of  a  fact,  intended  for  the  general  good. 


80  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK 

2.  The  Committee  of  Investigation.  —  This  is  anoth- 
er most  important  committee.     Its  duties  are  of  the 
gravest  description.     On  it  depends,  in  a  very  great 
measure,  the  good   or  evil  reputation   of  the  Lodge. 
It  may  be  said  to  be  the  shield  of  the  Lodge  against 
the  entrance  of  corrupt  characters  who  would  disgrace 
Odd-Fellowship.     Hence  each  member  of  this  com- 
mittee should  make  it  his  business,  not  only  to  ascer- 
tain from  others  the  general  conduct  of  a  candidate, 
but  also  to  see  and  converse  with  that  person  himself; 
to  see  how  he  lives  at  home,  and  who  are  his  associ- 
ciates,  what  are  his  habits,  &c.     It  has  been   stated 
that  some  members  of  investigating  committees  do  not 
even  make  the  least  inquiry  out  of  the  Lodge,  but  re- 
port on  the  candidate  at  a  hazard !     It  is  sincerely 
hoped,  for  the  honor  of  the  Order,  that  there  are  few 
such  Odd-Fellows  ;  and  we  will  add,  as  our  opinion, 
that  any  brother  who  would  be  thus  remiss  is  deserv- 
ing of  a  severe  public  reprimand  from  his  Lodge ;  for 
he  surely  is  a  most  gross  violator  of  the  solemn  prom- 
ises he  has  made,  as  well  as  of  the  plainest  obligation 
of  a  member  of  this  Order. 

3.  The  Auditing  Committee. —  It  is  the  duty  of  this 
committee  to  inspect  and  audit  the  accounts  of  the 
Secretary  and  Treasurer,  or  other  officers  or  com- 
mittees charged  with  the  receipt  or  expenditure  of 
money  of  the  Lodge ;  and  to  report  in  writing,  as  speed- 
ily as  possible,  on  all  matters  they  may  have  in  hand. 
They  should  be  prompt,  unprejudiced,  and  just;  and 
should  neither  conceal  nor  exaggerate  an  error  or  a 
dishonest  act  of  those  with  whom  they  have  to  deal. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  81 

If  they  find  a  brother  to  have  been  a  defaulter,  they 
should  carefully  investigate  the  circumstances  of  such 
defalcation,  and  ascertain  whether  he  can  redeem  his 
lost  credit ;  and  if  he  can,  and  do,  in  a  reasonable  time, 
they  should  admonish  and  forgive  him.  By  this  course, 
perhaps,  they  save  not  only  a  pecuniary  loss,  but  pre- 
vent the  ruin  of  a  brother  whose  intentions  were  never 
eventually  to  wrong  the  Lodge.  We  do  not  mean  by 
this  that  a  defaulter  should  be  screened  and  permitted 
to  escape  punishment :  we  mean  that  a  brother  should 
not  be  driven  into  hopeless  dishonesty  by  an  unrea- 
sonable haste,  or  a  bitter  and  unnecessary  persecution. 

4.  The  Committee  on  Claims  (or  the   Widows'  and 
Orphans'  Committee). —  This  committee, when  provided 
for,  should  be  elected  by  the  Lodge  annually,  and  may 
consist  of  three  or  more  brothers.    Its  duty  is  to  attend 
to  the  welfare  of  the  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased 
brothers,  and  see  that  they  do  not  want  for  anything 
absolutely  required   for   their   health   and   comfort. 
They  should  visit  such  widows  and  orphans  at  least 
once  in  each  month,  and  render  any  service,  reason- 
able and  necessary,  which  may  seem  to  be  called  for. 
Great  responsibility  rests  on  this  committee,  and  they 
should  not   shrink  from  it.     On  them   devolves,  in 
an   eminent  degree,  the  direction  of  the  minds  of 
the  orphans  of  their  dead  brother,  and  they  should 
exercise  the  control  and  authority  of  a  father  over 
those   bereaved   children.     Can  any  office   be  more 
responsible?     "Good  men  and  true"  should  be  this 
committee  on  claims ! 

5.  The   Trustees.  —  There  should  be  a  Board  of 
Trustees,  consisting  of  three  members,  one  of  whom 
should  be  elected  at  each  semi-annual  election  to  serve 

F 


82  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

eighteen  months.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Trustees  to  in- 
vest such  funds  as  shall  be  placed  in  their  hands  for 
that  purpose,  collect  the  interest  thereon,  call  in  the 
same  when  directed  so  to  do,  have  a  general  supervision 
over  all  the  property  of  the  Lodge,  and  perform  such 
other  duties  appertaining  to  their  position  as  may  be 
required  of  them.  They  have  no  authority  to  call 
upon  the  Treasurer  for  money  unless  they  present  an 
order  properly  voted  by  the  Lodge  and  signed  by  the 
proper  officers. 

6.  The  Committee  for  the  Investigation  of  Charges, 
and  for  the  Trial  of  a  Brother.  —  This  is  anothei 
most  important  committee.  It  is  a  committee  of  judges, 
and  should  be  a  discriminating  and  an  impartial  one. 
It  should  be  an  intelligent  one.  It  should  consist  of 
men  of  firmness,  such  as  would  have  "justice  done, 
though  the  heavens  fall."  It  should  not  be  in  too 
great  haste,  but  take  sufficient  time  to  weigh  and  con- 
sider well  the  business  it  has  to  perform.  While  it 
should  not  screen  the  guilty,  it  must  not  hesitate  to 
shield  the  innocent.  Too  many  charges  have  been  pre- 
ferred in  this  Order  from  malicious  motives  ;  too  many 
from  frivolous  causes  ;  too  many  from  pecuniary  diffi- 
culties. We  have  known  a  man  to  bring:  a  charge 

o  o 

against  a  brother  who  owed  him  (the  charger)  money 
which  he  could  not  pay  ;  which  charge  the  Lodge  re- 
ceived, and  afterward  permitted  the  base  complainant 
to  withdraw :  yet  the  poor  brother,  had  he  possessed 
the  friends  and  the  means,  might  have  crushed  the 
wretch  who,  in  the  very  temple  of  "  Friendship,  Love, 
and  Truth  " — Heaven  save  the  mark  !  —  sought  an  in- 
famous revenge.  This  committee  must  discriminate 
between  such  men  and  those  who  bring  charges  only 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  83 

for  the  general  good.  They  must  weigh  and  examine 
well  the  probable  motive  of  the  prosecutor;  and,  if 
they  find  it  unworthy,  whether  the  brother  charged  be 
proven  innocent  or  guilty,  they  should  cause  a  search- 
ing investigation  to  be  made  of  the  whole  matter  be- 
tween the  two.  They  must  not  suffer  wealth,  or  stand- 
ins:,  or  influence,  to  blind  them  ;  the  sword  of  Justice 

O' 

should  descend  on  the  guilty,  whether  he  be  Croesus 
or  Lazarus.  Neither  fear  nor  favor,  neither  pity  nor 
regret,  should  lighten  that  blow  in  the  weight  of  a 
single  hair. 


PAYMENT  OF  DUES. 

BROTHER,  "  whenever  you  visit  this  Lodge,  you  must 
immediately,  after  addressing  the  officers,  attend  the 
Secretary,  and  pay  him  your  weekly  dues,  or  you  will 
be  liable  to  a  fine."  Such  were  the  words  that  for- 
merly were  addressed  to  the  newly-initiated  brother  as 
a  part  of  his  instructions. 

So  much  has  been  said  and  written  on  this  matter, 
and  so  really  and  palpably  important  is  it  to  every 
member  of  the  Order,  that  it  is  scarcely  possible  to 
present  any  new  idea  on  the  subject.  The  payment 
of  dues  is  so  necessary  to  the  life  and  being  of  an  Odd- 
Fellow,  as  such,  and  of  the  Order  at  large,  that  a  gen- 
eral failure  in  it  would  destroy  us  and  our  means  of 
good  in  a  year's  time.  We  would  advise  the  brother- 
hood by  all  means  to  pay  in  advance.  Those  who  find 
it  difficult  to  command  or  to  spare  the  necessary 
amount  for  a  quarter's  dues,  should  pay  weekly.  Ten 
or  fifteen  cents  paid  each  week  would  not  be  missed, 


84  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

and  any  brother  can  easily  do  it ;  but  even  this  it  would 
be  well  to  pay  a  week  in  advance.  Brothers,  keep 
yourselves  beyond  the  reach  of  accident.  Pay  in 
advance,  for  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States 
has  decided  that  no  brother  who  may  be  taken  sick 
or  become  disabled  while  in  arrears  to  the  Lodge  of 
more  than  three  months'  dues,  can  by  the  payment  of 
his  arrearages  become  beneficial  during  that  sickness 
or  disability. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  85 


ATTENDANCE    AT    THE    LODGE. 

IT  is  the  duty  of  an  Odd-Fellow  to  be  vigilant  and 
attentive.  By  this  we  mean  that  he  should  not  only  be 
strict  in  the  payment  of  his  dues  to  the  Lodge,  but  that 
he  should  also  be  a  punctual  and  regular  attendant 
there.  No  brother  can  be  fully  impressed  with  his 
duty  as  an  Odd-Fellow  who  attends  only  once  or  twice 
in  a  year,  and  then  merely  for  the  purpose  of  paying 
his  dues.  The  reasonable  inference  would  be,  that 
such  a  man  had  become  a  member  of  the  Fraternity 
for  the  extremely  selfish  object  of  obtaining  pecuniary 
advantage,  and  that  he  could  not,  or  would  not,  see 
any  excellence  in  the  system  beyond  that  of  its  benefi- 
cial character.  This,  unfortunately,  is  a  "  too  common 
error,"  and  he  who  is  under  its  influence  should  be  at 
once  undeceived.  If  brothers  absent  themselves  from 
the  regular  meetings  of  the  Lodge,  those  who  do  at- 
tend will  naturally  feel  indignant  or  grieved,  or  both, 
and  consider  that  a  slight  has  been  put  upon  them  :  and 
those  who  are  not  members,  observing  the  careless- 
ness of  brethren  in  this  matter,  will  be  apt  to  think  that 
there  must  be  very  little  attraction  in  Odd-Fellowship, 
when  those  who  are  connected  with  the  Lodge  appear 
to  feel  so  little  interest  in  its  prosperity.  Every  broth- 
er should  be  at  his  Lodge,  weekly  if  possible,  but  cer- 
tainly once  in  each  month.  A  general  attendance  at 
the  meetings  makes  them  interesting,  and  is  an  encour- 
agement to  officers  and  members.  Let  it  be  therefore 
ever  borne  in  mind  that  punctual  attendance  at  the 
Lodge  is  an  essential  duty  of  every  Odd-Fellow. 
8 


86  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

BEHAVIOR    IN    THE    LODGE. 

BROTHERS,  during  the  work-hours  of  the  Lodge 
should  conduct  themselves  with  the  utmost  propriety 
and  decorum.  We  would  call  particular  attention  to 
this  subject.  It  is  the  object  of  all  our  ceremonies  to 
make  a  good  as  well  as  indelible  impression  on  the 
minds  of  those  who  would  become  Odd-Fellows.  There 
is  a  solemnity  in  the  "  work"  —  a  reality  in  the  em- 
blems—  a  truth  in  the  official  instructions  —  which 
should  not  be  trifled  with.  It  would  seem  to  be  a 
mere  farce  to  ask  another  to  be  serious,  while  all  around 
him  are  talking  and  laughing.  We  do  not  say  that 
any  Lodge  has  so  far  forgotten  its  dignity  as  to  act  thus 
—  we  accuse  none  —  but  we  say  plainly,  that,  if  any 
Lodge  should  perform  its  work  in  the  midst  of  confusion 
or  uproar,  it  would  bring  a  scandal  upon  the  Order, 
for  which  it  would  deserve  to  be  severely  reprimand- 
ed. Such  conduct,  indeed  if  indulged  and  permitted 
for  a  single  evening,  would  soon  show  its  fruits  out,  of 
the  Lodge.  We  may  rely  upon  it,  the  world  would 
soon  laugh  at  us,  if  we  should  begin  the  joke  ourselves. 
If  we  wish  to  have  our  "  mysteries"  preserved,  there- 
fore, we  must  most  sincerely  respect  them,  and  thus 
give  an  example  which  will  command  respect  from 
others. 

Brothers  should  also  be  attentive  in  the  Lodge  to  its 
regular  business ;  they  should  listen  to  whatever  may 
be  proceeding,  in  order  that  they  may  be  able  to  vote 
upon  it  with  a  correct  apprehension  of  its  propriety  or 
importance.  Neither  should  a  brother  "  dodge"  a 
question,  or  refuse  or  neglect  to  vote  upon  it,  without 
a  very  substantial  reason. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT- BOOK.  87 


BEHAVIOR  OUT  OF  THE  LODGE. 

ODD-FELLOWS  should  endeavor  to  convince  the 
world,  by  their  conduct  as  neighbors  and  citizens,  that 
the  teachings  and  objects  of  their  Institution  tend  to 
make  them  wiser  and  better  men.  They  should  be 
upright  and  correct  in  their  dealings  —  should  be  char- 
itable and  benevolent — willing  to  relieve  the  distresses 
and  wants  of  the  poor,  when  they  may  do  so  consist- 
ently. They  should  be  industrious  and  virtuous,  and 
.provide  for  those  dependent  upon  them.  The  Odd- 
Fellow  who  behaves  ill  to  his  family,  either  personally 
in  not  providing  for  their  wants,  or  by  idling  away  his 
time  in  dissipation  and  drunkenness,  should  be  accused 
before  his  Lodge,  and  condemned  for  conduct  unbe- 
coming his  profession. 

It  is  well  enough  for  Odd-Fellows  to  encourage  each 
other  in  business,  preferring  to  employ  brothers  rather 
than  strangers,  provided  they  can  be  accommodated 
equally  as  well.  This  they  are  not  of  course  enjoined 
to  do  by  the  laws  of  the  Order  ;  but  they  may  as  broth- 
ers prefer  one  another,  and  no  reasonable  man  can 
consistently  complain  of  such  preference. 

Brothers  should  be  strictly  cautious  in  their  conver- 
sations and  communication  with  others  relative  to  the 
business  of  their  Lodges.  They  should  not  only  make 
no  improper  discovery  to  the  uninformed,  but  they 
should  also  not,  by  any  hint  or  double  entendre,  excite 
the  curiosity  of  the  world.  They  should  never  forget 
that  curious  people  are  constantly  on  the  alert  to  catch 
at  any  word  on  this  subject  which,  they  imagine,  may 
enlig'iten  them  with  reference  to  our  "  secrecy." 


88  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

DUTY  OF  ONE  MEMBER  TOWARD 
ANOTHER. 

EVERY  one  should  feel  and  display  a  deep  interest 
in  the  prosperity  of  the  society  in  which  he  has  a  part. 
Its  interests  are  his  interests;  he,  too,  is  a  professed 
supporter  of  its  objects ;  he  is,  as  far  as  his  abilities 
go,  responsible  for  its  proceedings ;  he  will  actively 
concern  himself  for  the  faithful  preservation  of  its 
tenets ;  he  will  rejoice  in  its  peaceful  state  of  activity. 
This  only  is  to  be  accomplished  by  a  continued  affa- 
bility and  familiarity  of  manner  toward  those  among 
whom  he  associates ;  austerity,  pride,  and  pedantry, 
are  the  three  greatest  enemies  to  such  a  consummation  : 
he  will  not,  therefore,  by  exercising  an  undue  degree 
of  the  baneful  tendency  of  self-opinion,  destroy  that 
fellow-feelmg  so  requisite  among  all  who  enter  a  Lodge- 
room.  Let  no  degree  of  slight  originate  between  us, 
because  the  individual  who  sits  next  us  has,  by  his 
ordinary  avocation,  a  more  grimy  dye  upon  his  fea- 
tures, or  the  shallowness  of  his  purse  causes  his  coat 
to  be  made  of  a  coarser  material  than  our  own.  His 
interests  in  the  Lodge  are  conjointly  formed  with  ours  ; 
consequently,  so  long  as  the  principles  of  the  Order 
are  held  in  deference  and  esteem  by  him,  he  deserves 
the  same  mark  of  respect  from  us  which  perchance  is 
due  from  us  to  others  of  a  higher  caste.  Again,  let 
not  the  latter  party  imagine  a  slight  where  none  is 
meant.  His  fellow-member's  carriage  and  deportment 
in  common  life  may  seem  to  rank  nigh  to  pedantry,  or 
his  style  of  language  and  general  comportment  seem 
like  affectation ;  still,  however  dissonant  it  may  be  to 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  89 

our  own  feelings,  he  may  hold  good  the  principles  ol 
Odd-Fellowship,  and  condemnation  of  his  demeanor  is 
not  justifiable  without  sufficient  proof  to  his  prejudice. 
On  either  hand  we  must  withhold  judgment  until  ex- 
perience shall  have  decided  us.  Particularities  should 
have  very  little  to  do  with  the  Order,  which  is  noble 
and  plastic,  is  meant  for  the  world,  and  is  adapted  for 
man  in  all  his  diversified  circumstances ;  equality  and 
brotherhood  should  be  our  greatest  aim. 

In  all  our  dealings,  all  our  discussional  points,  let 
us  not  assume  a  loftier  degree  of  superiority  than  the 
most  well-founded  pretensions  can  warrant ;  neither 
let  us  lack  spirit  enough  to  think  ourselves  inferior  to 
those  who  by  dint  of  pleasing  though  powerful  language 
may  carry  an  argument,  when  the  smallest  iota  of 
sound  i  sason  may  tell  us  we  excel  them.  To  dwell 
on  our  own  distinctive  points,  or  those  of  other  parties, 
has  an  alienating  and  divisive  tendency.  The  very 
nature  of  things  tells  us  that  arrogant  pretensions  en- 
kindle resistance ;  that  ascendency  generates  discon- 
tent; that  insolence  awakens  scorn.  Again,  fear  pro- 
duces contempt ;  truculence  strengthens  authority  ; 
adulation  confirms  pride.  To  enjoy  more  fully  the 
desirable  connection  which  our  frequent  intercourse 
affords,  we  should  ever  grace  our  conduct  to  each 
other  with  mildness,  and  generosity,  and  frankness, 
and  confidence ;  always  open  to  advice  when  needful, 
whether  it  emanate  from  those  whom  we  may  consider 
a  grade  below  us,  or  from  those  in  a  station  superior 
to  our  own  ;  and  ever  ready  to  perform  the  same  office 
to  others,  as  far  as  in  us  lies,  without  pride  and  arro- 
gance, always  remembering  that  cordial  affability  gen- 
erally begets  esteem.  Under  any  other  system  social 
8* 


90  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

kindness  dies  away,  and  jealousy,  resentment,  and  envy, 
usurp  its  place.  But  what  need  be  said  more  than 
this  —  "we  are  members  one  of  another,"  and  we 
should  ever  nourish  a  feeling  of  brotherly  love  to  all 
who  join  us.  The  "law  of  love"  is  the  rule  of  Chris- 
tian intercourse:  let  not  a  perversion  of  its  principles 
be  shown  among  Odd-Fellows.  To  every  one  we 
should  stand  ready  to  exercise  kindness,  gentleness, 
forbearance,  fidelity.  To  any  that  are  erring  from  the 
strict  path  of  rectitude,  we  should  be  assiduous  in  im- 
parting warning,  reproof,  and  instruction  —  thereby  ce- 
menting more  firmly  the  bonds  which  endear  us.  To 
the  afflicted  we  should  administer,  as  far  as  ability  will 
admit,  to  their  comfort ;  at  the  same  time  manifest  our 
sympathy.  By  thus  bringing  together  our  good  inten- 
tions, and  combining  their  influences,  every  individual 
will  partake  of  the  general  energy.  Our  scattered  light 
will  thus  be  concentrated  into  one  orb,  shedding  a  lus- 
trous halo  on  all  around. 

Toward  those  who  are  elected  our  officers  let  us 
exercise  a  beseeming  degree  of  respect  and  deference, 
that  they  may  find  we  do  not  set  an  idle  value  upon 
the  offices  they  fill.  By  our  own  voice  they  preside 
over  us,  and  consequently  we  virtually  engage  to  accept 
their  instruction  in  all  that  pertaineth  to  the  good  of 
the  Order.  Hence,  members  of  the  Order  are  expected 
to  welcome  official  admonition,  reproof,  and  advice. 
We  mean  no  slavish  mental  or  bodily  fear  or  adulation 
—  no  sacrifice  of  conscience  or  judgment ;  but  a  readi- 
ness to  hear  the  inculcation  of  the  different  principles 
of  the  Order  —  a  uniform  obedience  to  its  laws,  how- 
ever apparently  disagreeable.  This  is  a  duty  we  sol- 
emnly promise  when  we  enter  a  Lodge,  and  to  swerve 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  91 

from  such  duty  is  a  gross  violation  of  honor  as  a  man 
and  an  Odd-Fellow. 

Odd-Fellowship  is,  in  our  opinion,  founded  on  the 
strictest  principles  of  piety ;  and  we  must  perceive,  in 
its  social  regulations,  that  the  happiness  of  an  individ- 
ual member  must  rise  or  fall  in  proportion  to  the  inter- 
est he  feels  in  the  welfare  of  his- fellow-members,  and 
for  the  preservation  of  the  Order  in  common.  Like 
the  heavenly  bodies,  which  are  preserved  in  their  rela- 
tive position  to  each  other  by  their  common  attraction 
to  the  sun,  Odd-Fellows  are  kept  in  unison  with  each 
other  by  their  attachment  to  principles  which  directly 
govern  them.  Those  who  can  not  heartily  perform 
the  social  duties  of  Odd-Fellowship,  want  an  essential 
mark  of  fellow-feeling  to  mankind  in  general.  What 
other  proof  need  be  afforded  of  the  efficacy  and  moral 
tendency  of  the  Order,  than  the  increasing,  and  rapid, 
and  astonishing  progress  it  has  made  throughout  the 
world  within  the  last  few  years?  As  the  light  of  intel- 
lect improves,  Odd-Fellowship  will  acquire  adherents 
and  keep  pace  with  it.  Wherever  it  once  becomes 
known,  its  benign  influences  are  embraced,  and  no 
excitement  is  needed  to  blazon  forth  its  precepts  to 
accumulate  disciples.  Opposition  has  been  made  to 
it  —  is  likely  to  be  made  —  by  the  base,  the  self-suffi- 
cient, and  the  unworthy ;  but  its  purity  has  ever  stood 
the  fiery  ordeal,  and  come  forth  in  more  vivid  colors  — 
its  pristine  brightness  untarnished,  unsullied. 

Let  us,  then,  persist  in  the  glorious  work  we  have 
commenced,  with  vigor  and  unflinching  stability ;  let 
our  bark,  while  sailing  on  the  extensive  ocean  of  Fel- 
lowship, be  guided  by  the  compass  of  justice ;  and, 
if  we  may  continue  the  metaphor,  let  us  perse'veringly 


92  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

pursue  the  track  its  needle  indicates ;  that,  when  ar- 
rived at  our  destined  haven,  we  may,  with  a  pure  con- 
sciousness of  having  supported  to  the  utmost  our  pur- 
pose of  benevolence  and  charity,  securely  recline  our 
heads  on  the  satisfactory  pillow  of  contentment,  and 
indulge  in  the  aspiring  hope  that  when  summoned  from 
this  sublunary  sphere,  we  may  meet  with  an  eternal 
welcome  in  that  "  angel-land"  where  "  sorrow  intrudes 
not" — where  "the  wicked  cease  from  troubling,  and 
the  weary  are  at  rest !" 


CHARITY  SHOULD  DISTINGUISH  ODD 
FELLOWS. 

AMONG  the  several  moral  virtues,  Charity  occupies 
a  very  prominent  station.  It  is  not,  indeed,  so  much 
an  independent  virtue,  as  it  is  the  element  in  which 
the  other  virtues  move  and  operate.  Its  influence  is 
remote,  rather  than  immediate ;  and  its  excellence  is 
seen  to  the  best  advantage,  when  observed  in  the 
various  accidents  and  circumstances  of  practical  life. 
When  we  think  of  Charity,  we  think  of  it  rather  as  an 
energy  to  give  tone  and  character  to  other  graces,  than 
of  something  which  is  in  itself  a  grace.  Performed 
in  the  true  spirit  of  Charity,  the  simplest  act  wears  an 
aspect  of  beauty  and  sublimity ;  apart  from  its  pres- 
ence and  influence,  the  most  important  action  appears 
altogether  hideous  and  revolting.  Hence,  an  inspired 
writer  has  aptly  called  it  "  the  very  bond  of  perfect- 
ness  ;"  which  is,  in  effect,  to  constitute  it  a  sort  of 
atmosphere  for  the  other  virtues  to  move  in. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  93 

Charity  is  that  universal  feeling  of  good-will  and 
kindness,  which,  rejecting  local  circumstances  and 
prejudices,  is  willing  to  embrace  the  breathing  uni- 
verse in  the  spirit  of  concession  and  compromise  :  and 
which,  where  its  object  is  smitten  by  the  hand  of  pov- 
erty, is  desirous  of  displaying  itself  in  acts  of  pecu- 
niary assistance.  If  we  would  make  a  just  estimate 
of  its  importance,  let  us  look  abroad  upon  the  face  of 
the  peopled  earth.  Let  us  observe  the  myriads  upon 
myriads  of  active  beings  dwelling  upon  its  surface, 
who,  as  civil  and  social  beings,  are  bound  together 
mainly  by  the  cold  law  of  selfishness  ;  consider  the 
numerous  weaknesses  and  errors  of  human  judgment ; 
mark  the  perpetual  liabilities  to  collision  of  feeling  and 
interest ;  and  we  may  then  be  prepared  to  form  some 
idea  of  the  importance  of  Charity.  It  is  true  that 
man,  as  an  individual,  possesses  sympathies  and  incli- 
nations that  lead  to  seek  with  avidity  the  fellowship  of 
his  species  ;  but,  so  soon  as  he  enters  into  a  state  in 
society,  his  feelings  of  selfishness  gain  the  ascendency 
of  all  the  rest :  hence  the  necessity  of  some  strong 
opposing  principle,  which  shall  be,  in  fact,  the  great 
conservative  principle  of  humanity.  Such  a  principle 
is  Charity.  Like  an  angel  of  mercy,  it  has  gone  forth 
into  the  various  departments  of  society  with  "  healing 
in  ics  wings  ;"  often  humbling  and  subduing  the  proud 
oppressor's  heart ;  and  ever  seeking  to  soothe  the 
wretched  and  disconsolate. 

The  monuments  of  Charity  are  more  enduring  than 
those  of  the  hero ;  for  they  speak  not  of  devastation 
and  blood,  but  of  positive  deeds  of  mercy  that  can 
never  be  forgotten,  until  nature  has  forgotten  to  do  its 
wonted  work  upon  the  memory  of  man.  And  while 


94  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

systems  that  have  grown  weak  from  age  shall  have 
fallen  with  a  crash  that  shall  shake  the  earth,  it  will  be 
the  province  of  Charity  to  gather  up  the  fragments 
that  lay  around,  and  march  on,  to  shape  to  better 
purposes  the  destiny  of  the  coming  period. 

But,  if  Charity  be  thus  important  in  itself,  institu- 
tions tending  to  extend  and  perpetuate  its  influence 
must  be  of  vast  utility  also.  Such  an  institution  is 
Odd-Fellowship.  It  is  based  upon  the  purest  prin 
ciples  of  equality,  extending  like  privileges  and  immu- 
nities to  all  its  membership  ;  and,  rejecting  all  prefer- 
ence for  any  particular  creed  in  religion,  it  clings,  with 
the  utmost  tenacity,  to  those  great  moral  principles 
which  are  shadowed  forth  in  the  impressions  of  nature, 
and  confirmed  by  the  precepts  of  Divine  Revelation. 
Its  membership,  particularly  those  of  more  elevated 
condition,  should  learn  to  lay  aside  feelings  of  pride 
and  ostentation,  by  the  frequent  recurrence  of  scenes 
of  sorrow  and  wretchedness ;  while  from  those  scenes 
they  should  gather  a  practical  commentary  upon  the 
unstable  character  of  earthly  pomp  and  glory.  Les- 
sons taught  by  example  are  more  thrilling  than  those 
gathered  from  the  history  of  past  events.  There  is  no 
school  so  good  as  that  of  self-experience.  We  read 
of  events  of  gone-by  generations,  as  things  about  which 
we  are  concerned  but  little ;  and  of  those  who  were 
long  since  subjected  to  the  sad  fluctuations  of  earth!} 
fortune,  we  are  too  apt  to  feel  that  they  were  beings 
with  whose  destinies  our  own  are  but  slightly  identified. 
We  read  of  Xerxes,  who  marshalled  his  millions  upon 
the  plains  of  Asia-Minor,  and  fancied  himself  capable 
of  shaking  the  pillars  of  the  universe.  A  moment 
more,  we  see  him  flying  from  a  handful  of  detested 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  95 

Grecians.  We  read  of  Tadmor  in  the  desert,  whose 
splendor  almost  added  additional  lustre  to  the  sun 
Alas,  she  is  gone  now !  and  she  and  Xerxes  sleep  in 
the  same  oblivious  tomb.  We  read  the  sad  illustration 
of  the  fleeting  nature  of  earthly  glory :  it  is  an  old 
story  ;  and  our  hearts  turn  away  but  slightly  affected. 
But  when  from  a  tragedy,  which  was  acted  many  cen- 
turies ago,  we  turn  aside  to  gaze,  for  ourselves,  upon 
a  scene  of  wo  and  wretchedness,  the  tear  of  sympathy 
will  glisten  in  the  eye,  and  the  visage,  despite  of  itself, 
will  begin  to  express  the  commiseration  that  rules  the 
heart  within.  Such  feelings  indicate  the  true  spirit  of 
Charity ;  and  such  feelings  Odd-Fellowship  is  well 
calculated  to  create  and  preserve. 

But  while  Odd-Fellowship  thus  fosters  Charity,  and 
extends  its  influence  as  a  social  principle,  it  strips  it 
of  its  most  revolting  character,  when  made  to  assume 
the  garb  of  almsgiving.  To  a  sensitive  being,  how- 
ever desolate  his  condition,  the  idea  of  being  the 
receiver  of  accidental  charity  is  a  loathsome  thing. 
This  feeling  Odd-Fellowship  takes  away,  since,  in 
sending  its  alms  to  the  desolate  widow — who  stands  in 
silent  but.  speaking  wretchedness  over  the  couch  of  her 
deceased  husband  —  it  places  it  in  her  hands  as  that 
which  is  hers  by  right  of  inheritance.  This  is  an 
incalculable  good.  It  is  not  enough  that  alms  be 
given  :  they  must  be  so  given  that  the  subject  does  not 
feer.  the  sad  necessity  he  is  under  to  receive  them. 
Otherwise,  in  relieving  an  immediate  necessity,  alms- 
giving would  often  lead  to  a  remote  and  fearful  evil, 
by  making  its  subject  repine  at  his  lot,  and  curse  the 
hard  hand  of  Providence  for  subjecting  him  to  so  sad 
u  state  of  vassalage. 


90  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

In  promoting  Odd-Fellowship,  then,  we  are  sub- 
serving the  best  interests  of  humanity  by  advancing 
Charity.  Together  may  they  run  out  into  the  variou? 
departments  of  society,  until  they  shall  have  com- 
passed the  four  corners  of  the  earth  !  And  while 
Charity  shall  erect  its  temple  in  every  land,  may 
benevolence  and  love  rule  the  feeling  of  every  breast ! 


THE  PROPOSAL  OF  CANDIDATES. 

THIS  is  unquestionably  one  of  the  most  essential 
matters,  in  reference  to  Odd-Fellowship,  that  can  be 
suggested ;  and  we  shall,  therefore,  speak  plainly, 
though  we  trust  not  harshly,  upon  it.  If  we  assert 
that  much  harm  has  resulted  from  negligence  or  hasti- 
ness in  this  business,  we  trust  that  those  who  may  have 
been  to  blame  will  take  no  offence,  but  that  they  will 
"  make  haste"  to  atone,  in  some  measure,  for  the  evil 
they  have  done,  by  restraining  others  from  following 
their  example. 

There  was  an  old  charge  (and  an  excellent  one), 
which  Odd-Fellows  heard  very  often,  and  which  might 
still,  with  much  propriety,  be  impressed  on  their  minds. 
The  spirit  of  Innovation  has  "  flung"  that  good  old 
sentence  of  advice,  with  some  other  good  things,  into 
the  shade ;  but  we  shall  print  it  here,  with  the  hope 
that  some  thousands  of  Odd-Fellows,  now  and  hereaf- 
ter, will  read  and  ponder  it.  It  is  as  follows:  — 

"  Should  you,  at  any  time,  propose  a  friend  to  be- 
come a  member  of  this  Order,  see  that  he  be  such  a 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  97 

man  as  will  be  likely  to  conform  to  the,  rules  and  pre- 
cepts of  Odd-Fellowship  ;  for  nothing  is  so  painjul  to 
the  feelings  of  faithful  Odd-Fellows  as  to  see  the 
requirements  of  the  Institution  trampled  upon  and 
profaned" 

With  such  an  injunction  as  this  impressed  upon  the 
mind,  surely  no  Odd-Fellow  could  conscientiously  be 
instrumental  in  bringing  an  unworthy  person  into  the 
Fraternity.  He  would  be  careful  to  propose  no  such 
character.  It  will  not  do  to  say  that  a  bad  man  may 
be  expelled,  and  that  his  admission,  therefore,  will 
produce  no  harm.  For  when  a  worthless  character 
once  gains  access  to  a  Lodge,  and  is  enrolled  among 
its  members,  although  it  is  true  we  can  always  remove 
him  from  a  place  he  is  unfit  to  fill,  yet,  as  every  one 
has  some  friends,  the  cure,  in  this  case,  is  at  least  as 
bad  as  the  disease.  How  much  better  is  it  to  be  care- 
ful, and  allow  no  such  person  to  be  even  proposed ! 
If  a  person  heedlessly  rush  into  danger,  and  break  a 
limb,  or  engender  a  pestilential  fever,  his  physician 
may  restore  him  to  health  ;  but  how  preferable  to  the 
physician  would  prevention  have  been  !  So,  more 
mischief  can  be  avoided,  and  more  good  effected,  by 
employing  our  vigilance  and  caution  in  proposing  can- 
didates, than  in  healing*the  wounds  caused  by  unworthy 
men  after  they  have  once  entered  our  halls  and  been 
initiated  into  our  mysteries.  It  is  a  lamentable  fact, 
and  one  which  has  done  us,  as  an  Order,  more  harm 
than  all  the  opposition  of  our  enemies,  that  there  have 
been  bad  men  introduced  among  us.  We  can  not 
deny  this  fact,  humiliating  as  it  is,  but  we  can  surely 
prevent  a  repetition  of  occurrences  so  much  to  be 
deprecated. 


98  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

We  would  not  undertake  to  set  up  any  particular 
standard  or  rule  in  this  matter ;  but  we  would  suggest 
that  any  brother  who  proposes  for  Odd-Fellows  men 
whose  characters  are  known  to  be  bad,  violates,  as  a 
member  of  our  Brotherhood,  every  principle  of  honor, 
and  deserves  himself  expulsion  from  any  Lodge  which 
ho  thereby  so  deeply  disgraces  and  injures.  Scoffers, 
bigots,  gamblers,  drunkards,  slanderers,  liars,  sensual- 
ists, misers,  swindlers,  men  who  abandon  wives  and 
children,  men  who  "grind  the  faces  of  the  poor"  — 
should  no  more  be  admitted  into  an  Odd-Fellows' 
Lodge  than  the  thief  or  the  murderer  ! 

Every  man  who  becomes  a  member  of  a  Lodge, 
signs  his  name  to  a  written  or  printed  paper,  in  which 
occurs  something  like  the  following:  — 

"Any  person  not  under  twenty-one  years  of  age, 
of  good  moral  character  and  industrious  habits,  and 
exempt  from  all  infirmities  which  may  prevent  his 
gaining  a  livelihood  for  himself  and  family,  shall  be 
eligible  to  membership  in  this  Lodge.  Brothers, 
before  proposing  a  candidate  for  membership,  must 
first  ascertain  if  he  is  qualified  according  to  the  pre- 
ceding conditions ;  his  name  must  then  be  submitted, 
and,  at  the  time  of  making  the  proposition,  the  sum 
of  blank  dollars  must  be  deposited  with  the  Secretary ; 
and  in  case  the  candidate  shbuld  not  come  forward 
within  six  weeks  after  being  notified  of  his  election 
(unless  prevented  by  some  sufficient  cause),  he  shall 
forfeit  the  same,  and  it  shall  be  paid  over  to  the 
Widow  and  Orphans'  Fund,  and  the  proposition 
shall  be  void ;  but  should  he  be  rejected,  the  amount 
so  paid  shall  be  refunded.  When  a  proposi- 
tion for  membership  has  been  made,  the  same  shall 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  99 

be  referred  to  a  Committee  of  three  brothers,  who 
shall  report  at  the  next  regular  meeting,  when  the 
candidate  shall  be  balloted  for,  and  if  he  receive  an 
unfavorable  vote,  the  same  can  in  no  case  be  recon- 
sidered ;  unless  all  the  members  who  voted  black 
balls,  voluntarily,  in  open  Lodge,  declare  they  did  so 
by  mistake.  Every  member,  on  being  admitted  into 
this  Lodge,  shall  sign  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws 
thereof,  agreeing  to  support  the  same  and  pay  all 
legal  demands  against  him  so  long  as  he  remains  a 
member  of  this  Lodge ;  he  shall  also  ,furnish  the 
Secretary  with  his  residence,  and,  in  case  of  removal, 
shall  notify  him  within  three  w.eeks  thereafter." 

This  is  what  Odd-Fellows  should  consider  carefully, 
in  all  its  bearings,  ere  they  propose  any  man,  no 
matter  how  much  a  friend  he  may  be,  to  the  Order. 


DISCIPLINE    OF   ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 

HUMAN  nature  is  formed  of  a  material  so  frail  in 
texture,  that,  however  plausible  may  be  its  tenor  for  a 
time  —  unless  bound  by  an  adamantine  chain  of  reso- 
lution—  temptation  soon  makes  an  inroad  upon  its  ter- 
ritories, and  wantonly  destroys  all  its  barriers,  all  its 
good  intentions.  It  cannot  therefore  be  surprising  that 
in  a  Fraternity  of  over  450,000,  let  their  designs  be 
ever  so  pure,  some  means  must  be  taken  to  exercise  a 
spirit  of  consistency  among  them,  having  for  its  object 
the  perpetuity  of  the  cause  and  the  benefit  of  each  in- 
dividual Every  human  institution  provides  against 


100  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

departures  from  the  purpose  and  spirit  of  its  establish- 
ment. We  see  the  Society  of  Friends  —  a  fraternity1 
whose  apathy  to  form  is  proverbial,  where  it  can  in  the 
slightest  case  be  dispensed  with  —  even  they  have  rules 
framed  so  as  to  protect  its  principles  against  the  possi- 
bility of  perversion.  Every  bill  for  the  enclosure  of  a 
waste  or  the  construction  of  a  railway  is  marked  by  the 
suspicious  prudence  of  mankind  in  dealing  with  their 
brethren.  Now  in  scarcely  any  other  case  is  there  so 
great  danger  of  innovation  as  in  the  case  of  Odd-Fel- 
lowship—  a  tender  plant  in  an  ungenial  soil.  Hence 
our  General  Laws,  hence  our  By-Laws :  how  they 
operate,  the  increasing  prosperity  of  the  Order  shows. 
To  prevent  a  general  decay,  we  must  put  forcible  re- 
strictions upon  a  defaulter.  We  must  have  control 
somewhere.  It  is  nothing  but  reasonable,  therefore, 
that  a  government  be  formed,  like  that  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  United  States,  for  the  guidance  of  the 
whole,  and  the  preserving  a  general  and  perpetual 
spirit  of  uniformity.  If  we  are  to  remain  a  company 
of  unflinching  advocates  in  the  cause  of  philanthropy, 
we  must  exact  an  unrelaxing  discipline  from  all.  The 
object  to  be  kept  in  view  is  the  purity  of  the  Order 
and  the  good  of  all  who  oppose  its  interests  by  a  base 
perversion  of  its  principles.  Still  we  are  to  avoid  all 
rashness,  all  hasty  conclusions.  Reproof  should  be 
administered  where  a  disposition  is  shown  to  infringe 
upon  a  law,  and  that  in  a  serious  manner,  "  with  great 
meekness  and  pity,"  and  with  perfect  impartiality. 
Admonition  will  often  bring  an  erring  brother  to  con- 
trition. St.  Paul  treats  admirably  on  this  point,  when 
writing  to  the  church  at  Thessalonica :  "Note  that 
man,  and  have  no  company  with  him,  that  he  may  he 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  101 

ashamed.  Yet  count  him  not  as  an  enemy,  but  ad- 
monish him  as  a  brother."  In  every  case  of  infrac- 
tion the  object  should  be  to  "  restore"  an  offender, 
rather  than  to  punish  or  expel  him.  We  see,  then, 
the  necessity  of  not  entirely  abandoning  those  who  err : 
they  should  be  warned,  and,  if  possible,  convinced  of 
their  departure  from  rule,  that  they  may  be  "  restored 
in  the  spirit  of  meekness."  Persons  are  placed  in  a 
very  delicate  situation  who  incur  the  censure  of  a 
Lodge,  and  ought  to  feel  and  know  the  dishonor  and 
danger  that  fall,  not  only  upon  themselves,  but  upon 
the  Order  in  particular;  for  the  prejudice  of  the  world 
is  strong,  and  many  who  "  lie  in  wait  for  our  halting" 
would  rejoice  at  the  prospect  of  our  downfall. 

Earnest  adherence  to  rule  is  particularly  necessary 
to  Odd-Fellowship.  We  must  never  allow  discipline 
to  be  relaxed,  as  the  number  of  cases,  which  may  by 
such  means  require  it,  increase,  and  the  Order  must 
contain  many  who  are  indisposed  to  employ  the  goodly 
resoluteness.  Hence,  too,  non  j  save  such  as  entertain 
a  strict  desire  for  the  prosperity  of  the  Order,  can  be 
expected  to  maintain  a  real  discipline.  Many  "  roots 
of  bitterness"  will  spring  up  in  Lodges,  and  we  can 
not  expect  to  arrive  at  so  desired  a  state  of  perfectness 
but  some  will  be  "found  wanting;"  for  whereunto  is 
the  palace  that  foul  things  sometimes  intrude  not? 

The  time  must  eventually  arrive  when  our  elder 
brethren  will  be  "  gathered  to  their  fathers,"  and  the 
guidance  of  the  Order  devolve  on  the  younger  mem- 
bers. If,  then,  we  indulge  in  odious  petty  differences 
now,  we  must  bid  farewell  to  the  tranquillity,  content, 
and  peace,  exhibited  and  enjoyed  to-day,  and  dread 
the  anarchy,  confusion,  and  turbulence,  that  will  assu- 
9* 


102  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

redly  prevail  to-morrow.  "  Can  such  things  be,  ana 
overcome  us,  like  a  summer's  cloud,  without  our  spe- 
cial wonder?"  To  obviate  so  dire  an  aspect  in  the 
perspective,  so  bitterly  repugnant  to  the  feelings  of 
every  true  Odd-Fellow,  so  utterly  at  variance  with  the 
purposes  for  which  our  praiseworthy  Institution  was 
founded,  let  us,  by  our  uniform  adherence  to  its  prin- 
ciples, evince  our  determination  to  secure  unviolated, 
unsullied,  without  stain  and  without  alloy,  the  purity 
of  Odd-Fellowship  in  our  own  day. 

A  decided  enforcement  of  discipline  is  necessary  in 
the  promotion  of  unity  among  us,  without  which  we 
may,  as  the  numerous  sands  on  a  seabeach,  lie  in  acci- 
dental proximity  —  in  a  seeming  connectedness  with 
each  other  —  but,  upon  a  more  superficial  observance, 
our  manifold  and  important  parts  are  wofully  disjointed. 
We  must  exhibit  a  solidity  of  purpose  and  principle 
entirely  connected.  We  must,  like  a  mass  of  gold, 
uniformly  allow  all  our  parts  and  particles  to  adhere 
and  combine;  and  so  evince  an  ardent  desire  of  reso- 
lution to  fulfil  the  important  duties  we  are  called  upon 
to  perform  in  a  manner  that  will  reflect  credit  on  the 
Order,  and  convey  satisfaction  to  ourselves.  We  must, 
by  unity,  not  only  constitute  a  great  number,  but  a  great 
ONE.  We  must  be  united  in  both  common  interests 
and  reciprocal  esteem. 


THK  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  103 


PRINCIPLES  OF  ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 

ONE  of  the  fundamental  rules  of  life,  laid  down  by 
our  great  Master,  is,  to  "  do  unto  others  as  ye  would 
that  others  should  do  unto  you."  An  injunction  ema- 
nating from  so  divine  a  Source,  can  not  fail  to  inspire 
every  rational  being  with  that  sense  of  social  fellowship 
which  is  due  from  one  created  individual  to  another, 
and  must,  therefore,  elevate  his  mind  to  a  perfection 
of  purity  far  above  the  common  feelings  of  life.  This, 
we  apprehend,  was  the  chief  intention  of  our  ancestors, 
in  guiding  them  to  the  attainment  and  general  spread 
of  Odd-Fellowship  throughout  the  universe.  The 
ordinary  obligations  of  Odd-Fellowship  are  attached 
to  the  members  of  Lodges  in  their  collective  charac- 
ter; but  there  are  some  positive  and  some  negative 
duties,  arising  therefrom,  which  specially  belong  to 
such  members  ;  every  brother  is  required  to  have  faith, 
and  all  the  virtues  therein  composed  are  to  be  evinced 
by  him.  Before  entering  on  this  topic,  it  may  be  useful 
to  notice,  generally,  the  purposes  of  Odd-Fellowship. 
Odd-Fellowship  is  the  exercise  of  the  social  principle 
in  matters  of  common  life  —  the  junction  of  men  who 
agree  in  views,  and  tastes,  and  purposes,  for  their  joint 
assistance  and  united  endeavors  for  providing  relief  in 
the  hour  of  need.  It  is  not  confined  to  one  particular 


104  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

occasion,  or  limited  to  one  transaction  ;  it  extends  its 
advantages  to  all  who  recognise  each  other  as  mem- 
bers—  who  rank  under  one  common  head ;  ever) 
expression  of  fraternal  regard,  every  participation  in 
the  enjoyments  of  friendship,  every  act  of  sympathy 
and  benevolence,  as  truly  belongs  to  the  principles  of 
Odd-Fellowship,  as  the  celebration  of  a  natal  day. 
Such  ought  to  be  the  predominant  feature  displayed 
in  the  conduct  of  all  who  enter  a  Lodge-room.  In 
truth,  if  we  are  strangers  to  communion  with  our 
brothers  on  other  occasions,  it  is  impossible  for  us  to 
enjoy  it  there  ;  for  the  mind  is  not  a  piece  of  mechan- 
ism, which  can  be  set  going  at  pleasure,  whose  move- 
ments are  obedient  to  the  call  of  time  and  place. 
Nothing  short  of  habitual  sympathy,  springing  from  the 
cultivation  of  benevolent  feeling  and  the  interchange 
of  kind  offices,  will  secure  that  reciprocal  delight,  that 
social  pleasure,  which  are  the  soul  of  our  communion. 
Our  frequent  flow  of  benevolence  should  not  be  limited 
to  those  who  belong  to  the  Order  alone,  but  to  all  our 
fellow-creatures,  when  time  and  circumstance  give  oc- 
casion, in  order  that  we  may  more  cheerfully  fulfil 
kind  intentions  to  those  who  have  a  more  immediate 
claim  upon  our  liberality  in  the  Order ;  as,  if  such 
sentiments  do  not  sway  our  bosoms  upon  ordinary 
occasions,  how  can  we  voluntarily,  and  without  a 
struggle,  perform  an  act  of  good-will  to  our  individual 
Lodge-members?  And  when  a  moiety  is  contributed 
with  a  turbulent  spirit,  the  recipient  had  much  rather 
remain  in  his  penurious  state  than  seek  relief  from 
such  a  donor.  Thus  Odd-Fellowship  requires  its  vo- 
taries to  manifest  a  feeling  of  benevolence  in  public 
as  well  as  private ;  the  one  will  naturally  lead  us  to 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK-  105 

perform  good  deeds  toward  the  other :  therefore,  if  we 
fail  on  the  one  hand,  a  total  neglect  and  indifference 
will  arise  on  the  other.  To  advance  the  principles  of 
Odd-Fellowship,  it  is  necessary  to  cultivate  and  enter-- 
tain its  foremost  purpose,  the  benign  spirit  of  philan- 
thropy, as  regards  the  welfare  of  others.  Can  we, 
without  compunction,  exercise  benevolence  to  our  in- 
dividual relatives,  if  we  exhibit  a  dereliction  of  that 
principle  for  a  stranger  ?  Can  we  imitate  the  timely 
compassion  of  a  Samaritan,  if  we  foster  the  detestable 
feelings  of  vicious  pride  and  contempt  of  a  Levite? 
"  When"  —  asks  Cowper  — 

"  When  was  public  virtue  found 
Where  private  was  not  ?     Can  he  love  the  whole 
Who  loves  no  part  ?  he  be  a  nation's  friend, 
Who  is,  in  truth,  the  friend  of  no  man  there  ? 
Can  he  be  strenuous  in  his  country's  cause, 
Who  slights  the  charities  for  whose  dear  sake 
That  country,  if  at  all,  must  be  beloved  ?" 

Thus,  then,  we  may  conclude  that  the  principles  of 
Odd-Fellowship  as  much  depend  upon  our  general 
conduct  out  of  the  Order,  as  our  character  in  common 
life  depends  upon  our  energetic  fulfilment  of  disciple- 
ship  in  the  Order. 

A  constant  provision  (which  is  the  great  object  of 
Odd-Fellowship)  against  the  needs  of  brethren,  is  an 
operation  and  display  of  principle  far  more  exalted  in 
the  eyes  of  all  good  men  than  the  incidental  manifesta- 
tion of  charity,  under  the  impulse  of  a  momentary 
sympathy.  To  lay  by  a  store  of  bounty  for  suffering 
and  needy  brethren,  is  to  treasure  up  love  and  happi- 
ness in  the  heart — is  a  work  of  principle  far  surpassing 
the  acts  of  a  temporary  compassion  ;  it  is  the  founda- 
tion-stone on  which  the  sublime  structure  of  Odd-Fel- 


106  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

lowabip  was  raised,  and  finally  became  the  formidable 
edifice  we  now  behold.  Nor  could  a  more  suitable 
plan  be  brought  into  operation,  for  expressing  our  filial 
attachment  to  that  portion  of  mankind  whose  reci- 
procity of  feelings  demands  our  aid.  Whatever  plan 
might  be  adopted,  we  arrive  but  at  one  conclusion : 
we  are  bound  by  not  only  the  law  of  nature,  but  the 
law  of  God,  "  not  to  see  any  brother  have  need,  and 
shut  up  our  bowels  of  compassion  from  him."  Odd- 
Fellowship  is  constructed  upon  as  divine  principles  as 
those  which  sway  other  institutions.  Every  votary  at 
its  shrine  is  expected  to  love  and  exalt  its  precepts  — 
to  .ove  them  for  the  sake  of  their  excellence  —  to  love 
them  for  the  sake  of  those  benefits  which  we  all,  in 
common,  enjoy — to  love  them  in  this  life,  for  the  sake 
of  that  heavenly  communion  in  which  we  hope  to 
dwell  hereafter.  Odd-Fellowship  is  loud  in  prohibit- 
ing all  jealousies  ;  all  rejoicings  in  the  evils  of  another  ; 
all  encouragement  to  vice,  irregularities,  and  vicious 
propensities :  it  encourages  all  good  deeds,  and  con- 
demns  all  frail  habits  ;  it  advances  man  in  the  social 
scale  of  life,  and  retards,  by  avoidance,  him  whose 
absolute  viciousness  requires  admonition  ;  it  requires 
us  to  cherish  love  toward  all  mankind,  though  not 
immediately  connected  with  them  :  not  that  it  requires 
us  to  neglect  the  officers  and  brothers  of  a  Lodge  with 
whom  we  are  directly  allied  —  no,  this  would  be  to 
destroy  our  membership  in  a  particular  coterie,  and 
lose  our  social  privileges  and  the  peculiar  advantages 
therewith  attended,  in  a  vague  generality  of  commu- 
nion. The  very  fact  of  our  entering  one  particular 
Lodge,  intimates  our  preference  for  that  Lodge,  in  dis- 
tinction from  the  rest,  and  requires  our  participation 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  107 

and  exertions  in  its  services :  still,  while  such  doea 
not  merge  our  membership  in  a  vagrant  indifference 
to  its  privileges,  we  are  not  to  loae  our  feeling  of 
catholicity  in  the  restrictiveness  of  a  general  commu- 
nion. Here,  Odd-Fellows  maintain  a  visible  bond  of 
union  in  the  world.  An  individual  unites  himself  to 
a  Lodge,  that  Lodge  is  united  to  other  similar  bodies, 
and  thus  has  arisen  universal  association,  whose  praise- 
worthy efforts  to  do  good  is  augmented  by  each  indi- 
vidual putting  '•  his  shoulder  to  the  wheel."  It  must 
be  remembered  that  a  union  with  one  particular  soci- 
ety does  not  dissociate  us  from  the  general  body ;  we 
are  members  of  a  community,  though  immediately  con- 
nected with  a  particular  family  ;  we  belong  to  a  king- 
dom, as  well  as  a  city  within  it,  and  are  not  allowed 
to  lose  either  our  patriotism  in  our  citizenship,  or  our 
citizenship  in  our  patriotism.  All  Lodges  are  to  be 
regarded  with  the  same  benevolent  feelings  which  char- 
acterize its  uniformity,  notwithstanding  our  intimate 
connection  with  one  of  them  in  particular.  In  an 
army  are  many  companies;  yet  one  great  fraternity  — 
"  distinct  as  the  billows,  yet  one  as  the  ocean."  So 
with  Odd-Fellowship :  we  belong  to  a  Lodge,  yet 
are  accountable  to  the  Order  for  our  actions ;  and  it 
appears  but  reasonable  that  one  Lodge  should  recog- 
nise, as  a  sister,  a  Lodge  similarly  consisting  of  indi- 
viduals acting  under  the  same  authority,  and  seeking 
to  promote  the  same  cause.  In  this  spirit,  our  Lodges 
are  allowed  to  visit  each  other  as  brethren,  and  even 
to  receive  each  other's  members  as  brethren ;  they 
co-operate  for  the  good  of  the  Order,  and  thus  recog- 
nise each  other ;  they  reciprocally  seek  and  render 
advice ;  they  relieve  each  other's  necessities,  and 


108  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

in  various  ways  are  esteem  and  confidence  exhibited 
and  expressed.  The  principles  of  Odd-Fellowship 
emphatically  hold  forth,  that  however  useful,  and  de- 
lightful, and  legitimate,  it  may  be  to  hold  communion 
with  other  Lodges,  regular  attention  to  our  own  is 
obligatory  —  is  indispensable. 

In  a  word,  "  universal  love  to  all  mankind,"  and  a 
mutual  sympathy  with  the  wants  of  our  fraternal  breth- 
ren, are  the  two  great  pillars  that  support  the  laudable 
capital  of  Odd-Fellowship.  Long  may  they  stand ; 
long  may  they  remain  an  impenetrable  barrier  to  rebut 
the  attacks  of  the  prejudiced  and  unprincipled  ;  long 
may  they  flourish  in  the  refined  sculpture  that  now 
decks  them  ;  long  may  they  serve  as  a  beacon-light, 
to  guide  the  hesitating  and  the  wavering  unto  where 
true  felicity  may  be  experienced  ;  and  long  may  they 
prove  a  source  of  relief  to  the  afflicted,  the  needy,  nnd 
the  oppressed ! 


OPENING  AND  CLOSING  A  LODGE.* 

PREVIOUS  to  the  opening  of  a  Lodge,  the  officers 
and  members  must  be  clothed  in  proper  regalia,  and 
each  take  his  station  or  seat.  The  door  must  be 

*  The  method  (not  the  form)  of  opening  and  closing  an  EN- 
CAMPMENT is  similar  to  that  of  opening  and  closing  a  Lodge, 
The  Chief-Patriarch  requires  the  officers  to  specify  their  duties, 
and  he  must  see  that  these  duties  are  performed.  The  High- 
Priest,  at  the  opening  and  the  close,  offers  an  appropriate 
prayer. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  109 

closed ;  and  the  Warden  will  see  that  all  the  brothers 
in  the  room  are  "  correct."  The  respective  officers 
will  then  severally  state  what  their  duties  are ;  after 
which  the  N.  G.  will  remind  the  brothers  of  their  duty 
as  Odd-Fellows  and  members  of  the  Lodge,  and  cause 
the  Lodge  to  be  declared  opened  for  such  business  as 
may  be  lawfully  brought  before  it,  and  for  the  diffusion 
of  the  principles  of  benevolence  and  charity.  The 
chaplain  may  then  offer  the  following  prayer ;  after 
which  the  business  will  proceed  : — 

"  Almighty  and  most  merciful  God  !  we  adore  thee  as  the 
Creator  of  all  worlds,  and  the  righteous  Governor  of  all  beings, 
upon  whom  we  are  dependent  for  life  and  all  its  blessings,  and 
without  whose  favor  no  human  enterprise  can  permanently  pros- 
per. Lift  upon  us,  we  pray  thee,  O  Lord,  the  light  of  thy 
countenance,  and  bless  us  while  we  are  together  this  evening. 
May  all  things  be  done  in  the  spirit  of  charity  and  brotherly 
kindness,  and  may  our  labors  of  love  be  blessed  to  the  promotion 
of  the  best  interests  of  our  beloved  Order.  Hear  us,  O  God,  in 
behalf  of  the  stranger,  the  sick,  the  afflicted,  the  widow,  and 
the  orphan,  and  bless  them  as  thou  seest  that  they  may  need. 
Keep  us  ever  in  thy  fear  and  wisdom,  and  save  us  all  with  an 
everlasting  salvation  :  and  to  thy  great  name  be  all  the  glory, 
4  as  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever  shall  be,  world 
without  end.'  Amen.*' 

When  the  business  shall  have  been  finished,  the 
brothers  will  rise  at  the  call  of  the  N.  G.,  and  after  the 
officers  shall  have  stated  their  duties  at  the  closing  (the 
V.  G.  having  first  thanked  the  brothers  for  their  com- 
pany, and  requested  it  again),  the  Lodge  will  be  de- 
clared closed  until  next  Lodge-night :  after  which  the 
chaplain  may  offer  the  following  prayer : — 

14  We  bless  thee,  O  Lord,  that  we  have  been   permitted  td 
this    another  Lodge-meeting.     Pardon  what  thou  hast 
10 


110  THE  ODD-FELLOWS    TEXT-BOOK. 

seen  amiss  in  us  ;  and  now,  as  we  are  about  to  depart,  let  thy 
blessing  be  with  us,  and  with  all  our  brethren  throughout  the 
globe.  May  brotherly  love  prevail,  and  every  moral  and  social 
virtue  adorn  our  lives,  while  members  of  this  Lodge  below,  and 
at  last  may  we  be  admitted  to  the  joys  of  a  better  world  :  and 
thine  be  the  power  and  the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen." 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  Ill 


DEGREES  AND  DEGREE  LODGES.* 

DEGREE  Lodges  are  formed  for  the  purpose  merely 
of  conferring  the  five  subordinate  Degrees  on  members 
who  may  have  been  elected  in  their  Lodge  to  receive 
them ;  their  legality  is  recognized  by  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  United  States.  The  time,  place,  and 
manner  of  conferring  the  Degrees,  are  proper  sub- 
jects for  local  legislation.  They  may  be  conferred 
by  the  Grand-Master,  the  D.  G.  Master  of  a  District, 
or  his  deputy  ;  by  the  Noble-Grand  of  the  Lodge  to 
which  the  applicant  may  be  attached,  or  by  a  Degree 
Lodge  established  for  the  purpose.  But  no  Lodge 
can  confer  Degrees  upon  a  member  of  another  Lodge, 
without  the  consent  of  the  Lodge  to  which  the  member 
belongs.  The  minimum  price  for  Degrees  is  left  to 
the  control  of  the  local  Grand  Lodges.  Certificates 
for  Degrees  must  be  granted  by  the  subordinate  Lodges 
to  its  members,  by  ballot,  on  the  presentation  of 
which  certificates  to  the  proper  officer  the  brothers 
are  entitled  to  be  instructed  in  the  Degrees  named 
therein.  Not  more  than  the  first  two  Degrees  can 

*  The  time  between  Initiation  and  the  first  Degree,  and  the 
period  between  the  Degrees,  and  between  rejection  and  re-appli- 
cation, is  left  to  the  legislation  of  State  Grand  Lodges.  The 
article  is  correct  as  to  some  jurisdictions,  but  not  in  all. 


112  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

be  conferred  at  one  time,  unless  the  most  urgent 
necessity  be  shown  to  exist,  in  which  case  the  Grand- 
Master  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  his  Deputy,  may 
grant  a  dispensation  permitting  the  five  to  be  con- 
ferred on  the  same  day.  . 

A  Degree  Lodge  is  sanctioned  by  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  a  state,  to  which  it  is  amenable.  Its  officers  consist 
of  a  Degree  Master  (who  occupies  the  principal  chair), 
a  Deputy  Degree  Master  (who  occupies  the  chair  of  the 
Vice-Grand),  a  First  and  Second  Assistant  Deputy  De- 
gree Master  (whose  stations  are  to  the  right  and  left  of 
the  Degree  Master),  a  Warden,  a  Conductor,  a  Secre- 
tary, and  a  Treasurer,  whose  positions  are  the  same  as 
in  the  subordinate  Lodge.  It  is  usually  supported  by  a 
charge  of  from  twelve  to  twenty-five  cents  for  each 
Degree  it  confers,  the  Lodge  to  which  the  member 
belongs  always  receiving  the  sum  fixed  upon  by  the 
Grand  Lodge  as  the  price  for  Degrees;  but  it  is  not 
uncommon  for  the  Lodge  to  pay  the  charge  of  the 
Degree  Lodge.  Upon  the  written  petition  of  five  or 
more  Past  Grands  and  five  or  more  Scarlet-Degree 
members  of  the  Order,  praying  for  a  warrant  to  open  a 
Degree  Lodge,  the  Grand  Lodge  may  grant  the  same ; 
and  such  Degree  Lodge  will  receive  its  charter  and  the 
necessary  lectures  and  instructions  in  the  same  manner 
as  is  provided  for  subordinate  Lodges. 

No  Degree  Lodge  can  admit  or  retain  in  member- 
ship any  person  who  is  not  a  regular  contributing 
member  of  a  subordinate  Lodge,  unless  it  be  one 
whose  card  is  in  the  possession  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
or  its  officers  as  an  applicant  for  a  charter  for  a  Lodge. 
Persons  to  whom  is  confided  the  duty  of  conferring 
Degrees  should  be  men  of  known  and  unquestionable 
ability.  They  should  be  able  to  read  and  speak  well. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  113 

and  be  capable  of  impressing  the  truths  they  are  called 
upon  to  teach,  in  a  solemn  and  dignified  manner,  upon 
the  mind  of  the  candidate.  They  should  be  rigidly 
accurate  in  their  explanations,  and  be  competent  10 
express  them  so  perfectly  and  correctly  as  to  render 
the  slightest  mistake  or  misapprehension  impossible. 


PAST-OFFICIAL    DEGREES,    ETC. 

PAST-OFFICIAL  DEGREES  are  conferred  on  the  Past 
(Assistant)  Secretary,  Past  Vice-Grand,  and  Past 
Noble-Grand  only  (except  in  cases  of  newly-organized 
Lodges),  and  then  for  service  in  the  Lodge  for  a 
majority  of  meetings  in  each  term.  The  Grand- 
Master  or  his  Deputy,  a  Degree  Lodge,  or  the  Lecture- 
Master  of  a  Lodge  conferring  its  own  Degrees,  are 
the  proper  persons  to  confer  and  explain  these 
Degrees. 

The  Grand-Lodge  Degree  is  conferred  by  the 
Grand-Warden,  usually  in  the  Grand-Lodge  room. 
Any  brother  who  has  passed  the  higher  chair  of  his 
Lodge  is  entitled  to  it.  It  is  uniform  to  all  Grand 
Lodges.  In  order  to  obtain  it,  a  brother  must  present 
a  certificate,  under  seal  of  his  Lodge,  showing  that  he 
has  served  as  Noble-Grand. 

The  Grand-Encampment  Degree  may  be  conferred 
(by  the  Grand  High-Priest)  on  all  P.  C.  Patriarchs, 
and  in  some  states  also  on  Past  High-Priests.  They 
must  produce  certificates  from  their  Encampments 
bhowing  that  they  have  passed  the  chairs. 
10*  H 


114  THE   ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


SUBORDINATE  ENCAMPMENTS. 

SUBORDINATE  Encampments  exist  by  virtue  of  war- 
rants, or  charters,  granted  by  a  Grand  Encampment, 
or  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States.  Seven 
members  of  the  Royal-Purple  Degree,  in  good  stand- 
ing, may  obtain  a  charter  for  an  Encampment.* 

To  acquire  or  retain  membership  in  an  Encamp- 
ment, full  membership  in  a  Lodge  is  indispensably 
necessary.  Neither  can  any  person  become  a  member 
of  an  Encampment  who  has  not  attained  to  the  Scarlet 
Degree. 

A  brother  who  wishes  to  propose  another  as  a  mem- 
ber of  an  Encampment,  must  do  so  in  writing,  and  the 
applicant  must  pass  the  same  ordeal  of  investigation  as 
when  entering  the  Order.  Grand  Encampments  de- 
termine the  number  of  balls  to  reject ;  they  also  fix 
the  minimum  price  for  the  Degree,  and  the  lowest  rate 
of  Dues  and  Benefits.  The  Subordinates  may  provide 
by  By-laws  such  amounts  over  those  named  as  their 
circumstances  may  warrant.  The  amount  varies  from 
three  to  five  dollars  and  upward.  On  the  death 

*  Petitions  and  Charters  for  Encampments  are  similar,  in  form 
and  manner,  to  those  pertaining  to  Lodges.  See  p.  55.  The 
number  of  petitioners  varies  in  different  States,  and  frequently 
according  to  the  location  of  existing  Encampments.  In  Pennsyl- 
vania, fifteen  Scarlet  Degree  members  can  petition  for  a  Charter, 
if  there  is  no  Encampment  within  ten  miles. 


THE   ODD-FELLOWS'    TEXT-BOOK.  115 

of  a  Patriarch,  also,  a  sum  is  appropriated  toward  as- 
sisting to  pay  his  funeral  expenses. 

The  elective  officers  of  an  Encampment  are  a  Chief- 
Patriarch,  High-Priest,  Senior  Warden,  and  Junior 
AVarden,  who  are  (as  are  also  the  officers  of  subordinate 
Lodges)  elected  by  ballot  semi-annually,  and  a  Scribe, 
and  Treasurer,  who  are  usually  elected  annually. 
There  are  several  appointed  officers  (besides  a  Senti- 
nel and  Guardian),  whose  duties  pertain  particularly 
to  the  assistance  required  of  them  at  the  introduction 
of  members;  they  are  appointed  semi-annually,  by  the 
Chief- Patriarch  and  High-Priest. 

The  duty  required  of  the  Chief-Patriarch  is  similar 
to  that  which  is  performed  by  the  Noble-Grand  of  a 
Lodge. 

The  duty  of  the  High-Priest  is  principally  to  read 
certain  lectures  pertaining  to  his  office,  and  to  give 
necessary  instructions  to  initiates.  He  should  be  a 
man  of  ability,  and  of  unquestionable  morals. 

The  Senior  Warden  is  the  assistant  of  the  Chief- 
Patriarch,  and,  in  case  of  that  officer's  absence,  must 
preside  over  the  Encampment. 

The  Scribe's  and  Treasurer's  offices  are  similar  to 
those  of  the  Secretary  and  Treasurer  of  a  Lodge. 

The  Junior  Warden  must  assist  the  Senior  Warden 
in  the  performance  of  his  duties,  officiate  for  him  in  his 
absence,  and  perform  such  other  duties  as  may  be 
legally  required  of  him  by  the  Chief-Patriarch. 

The  patriarchal  branch  of  the  Order  is,  in  the  esti- 
mation of  many,  far  more  desirable  than  the  initiatory 
branch.  Every  Odd-Fellow  should  make  it  his  aim 
to  reach  the  "  topmost  round  of  the  ladder  of  Odd- 
Fellowship,"  the  Royal-Purple  Degree.  No  brother 
of  good  character,  however  ooor  he  mav  be,  or  how- 


116  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

ever  humble,  need  be  prevented  from  attaining  thus  to 
the  full  stature  of  an  Odd-Fellow. 

We  can  not  conclude  this  subject  without  expressing 
our  earnest  hope  that  the  heads  and  members  of  the 
Encampments  will  read  our  remarks  on  the  duties  of 
subordinate-Lodge  officers  and  members,  and  that,  so 
far  as  they  may  apply  to  them,  they  will  endeavor  to 
adopt  the  advice  they  contain,  with  the  full  assurance 
that  the  more  careful  and  correct  we  become  as  Odd- 
Fellows,  either  in  or  out  of  our  Lodges  or  Camps,  the 
more  prosperous  we  shall  be  ourselves,  and  the  more 
useful  we  shall  become  to  the  world. 

The  following  is  the  order  of  business  of  an  En- 
campment:— 

1.  Opening  the  Encampment. 

2.  Calling  the  roll  of  officers. 

3.  Reading  the  minutes  of  last  session. 

4.  Inquiry  whether  any  Patriarch  needs  aid  or  sympathy 

5.  Consideration  of  previous  proposals  for  membership. 

6.  Admission  of  members. 

7.  Conferring  of  Degrees. 

8.  Reception  of  new  proposals. 

9.  Report  of  Visiting  Committee. 

10.  Unfinished  business. 

11.  New  business. 

12.  Repori  of  Committee  of  Finance. 

13.  Report  of  Committee  of  Correspondence. 

14.  Report  of  Trustees. 

35.  Report  of  Committee  of  Revision. 

16.  Reports  of  Special  Committees  by  seniority. 

17.  Reading  of  communications,  &c. 


THE   ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK.  117 


GRAND  LODGES  AND  GRAND  EN- 
CAMPMENTS. 

FIVE  or  more  subordinate  Lodges  or  Encamp- 
ments, located  in  any  state,  district,  or  territory,  where 
a  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment  has  not  been 
established,  having  seven  Past  Grands  or  Past  Chief- 
Patriarchs,  in  good  standing,  may  petition  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  United  States  for  a  Charter  for  a  Grand 
Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment;  which,  if  approved  by 
a  majority  of  the  votes  given,  will  be  granted,  and  or- 
ganized by  the  Grand-Sire,  or  some  qualified  brother 
or  Patriarch  whom  he  may  appoint  for  the  purpose. 
Such  five  or  more  Lodges  or  Encampments  must  each 
first  appoint  one  or  more  of  its  Past  Grands  or  Past 
Chief-Patriarchs  to  represent  it  in  a  convention,  to  be 
composed  of  the  several  Lodges  or  Encampments  in 
the  state,  district,  or  territory,  who  must  consider  the 
propriety  of  applying  for  a  Grand  Charter,  as  well  as 
determine  on  a  place  or  town  for  the  location  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment.  When  these 
questions  shall  be  decided  (the  vote  having  been  taken 
by  Lodges  or  Encampments,  and  not  by  the  number 
of  past  officers  present  in  the  convention),  the  rep- 
resentatives must  make  application  in  the  following 
form  : — 


118  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

"To    THE    E.    W.    GRAND    LODGE  OF    THE  UNITED  STATES, 

OF  THE  I.  O.  OF  O.  F. 

"The  petition  of  blank  Lodge  [or  Encampment]  No.  1, 
blank  Lodge  No.  2,  blank  Lodge  No.  3,  of  blank,  blank  Lodge 
No.  4,  blank  Lodge  No.  5,  respectfully  represents,  that  at  pres- 
ent they  work  under  warrants  granted  by  your  right  worthy 
body;  that  at  present  they  have  blank  Past  Grands  [or  Past 
Chief-Patriarchs]  in  good  standing.  They  are  of  opinion  that 
it  would  be  of  advantage  to  the  Order  to  establish  a  Grand 
Lodge  [or  Grand  Encampment]  in  the  state  of  blank.  They 
therefore  pray  your  right  worthy  body  to  grant  a  Charter  for 
a  Grand  Lodge  [or  Grand  Encampment]  in  the  state  of  blank, 
to  be  located  at  blank. 

"  Witness  our  hands  and  seals,  this  blank  day  of  blank,  1875. 

"A.  B.,  REPRESENTATIVE  OF  No.  1. 

"  C.  D.,  REPRESENTATIVE  OF  No.  2. 

"  E.  F.,  REPRESENTATIVE  OF  No.  3. 

"  G.  H.,  REPRESENTATIVE  OF  No.  4. 

"  J.  K.,  REPRESENTATIVE  OF  No.  5." 

This  petition  must  be  accompanied  by  the  charter- 
fee,  which  is  thirty  dollars,  and  price  of  books. 

During  the  recess  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United 
States,  the  Grand-Sire,  Deputy  Grand-Sire,  and  Grand 
Recording  Secretary,  are  authorized  to  grant  dispensa- 
tions to  open  Grand  Lodges  or  Grand  Encampments, 
which  must  be  submitted  to  the  Grand  Lodge  for  ap- 
proval and  confirmation  when  it  next  meets. 

The  Charter  or  Warrant  for  a  Grand  Lodge  or 
Grand  Encampment,  issued  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
the  United  States,  and  furnished  to  a  state  Grand 
Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment,  is  expressed  as  fol- 
lows : — 

"INDEPENDENT  ORDER  OF  ODD-FELLOWS. 

"To  ALL  WHOM  IT  MAT  CONCERN:  I,  A.B.,  Most  Wor- 
thy Grand-Sire  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order 
of  Odd-Fellows,  of  tho  United  States  of  North  America,  am' 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  119 

the  jurisdiction  of  the  Order  thereunto  belonging :  FRIENDSHIP, 
LOVE,  TRUTH. 

"  Know  ye,  that  by  virtue  of  the  powers  in  me  vested,  I  do 
hereby  authorize  and  empower  our  trusty  and  well-beloved 
[C.  D.  and  others]  to  constitute  a  Grand  Lodge  [or  Grand  En- 
campment] in  the  city  of  blank,  and  state  of  blank,  to  be  known 
and  hailed  by  the  title  of  blank. 

"  I  do  further  authorize  and  empower  our  said  trusty  and  well- 
beloved  [C.  D.  and  others]  to  hear  and  determine,  all  and  singu- 
lar matters  and  things  relating  to  the  Order  within  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  said  Grand  Lodge  [or  Grand  Encampment],  according  to 
the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United 
States :  Provided  always  that  the  said  [C.  D.  and  others]  pay 
due  respect  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States,  and  the 
ordinances  thereof:  and  provided  also  that  this  Dispensation 
shall  be  approved  at  the  next  session  of  the  said  Grand  Lodge 
of  the  United  States,  otherwise  to  be  of  no  force  or  effect. 

"  Given  under  my  hand,  and  seal  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
United  States,  at  the  city  of  Baltimore,  in  the  state  of  Maryland, 
this  blank  day  of  blank,  and  of  our  Order  the  blank. 

[L.  s.]  "  A.  B.,  GRAND-SIRE. 

4  E.  F.,  Corresponding  Secretary.'1'' 


GRAND  LODGES. 

WE  have  previously  stated  that  Grand  Lodges  are 
the  heads  of  the  Order  in  a  state,  district,  or  territory, 
where  they  may  be  established,  and  that  they  are  insti- 
tuted by  and  are  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  United  States.  They  have  the  control 
of  all  the  subordinate  Lodges  under  their  own  jurisdic- 
tions, and  enact  all  laws  required  for  the  government 
of  such  Lodges.  They  meet  either  annually  or  semi- 
annualJy,  for  the  transaction  of  business :  and  when  not 
a  representati  ve  body,they  permit  all  the  Past  G  rands  of 


120  THE  ODD-FELLOWS     FF.XT-BOOK. 

their  subordinates  the  right  of  speech  and  vote.*  In 
these  exceptions  the  Grand  Lodge  is  composed  of  one 
or  two  representatives  from  each  Lodge,  each  having 
one  vote  for  a  certain  number  of  members,  and  addi- 
tional votes  for  additional  numbers. t 

The  Grand  Lodge  is  the  supreme  tribunal  of  the 
Order  in  its  jurisdiction.  No  Lodge  can  be  formed, 
or  continue  to  exist,  without  its  sanction,  ft  has  the 
sole  right  and  power  to  grant  or  suspend  Charters  ;  to 
receive  appeals  and  redress  grievances  ;  to  originate 
and  regulate  the  means  of  its  own  support;  and  to  do 
all  other  proper  acts  to  promote  the  interests  of  the 
Order. 

The  elective  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge  are  as  fol- 
lows :  Grand-Master,  Deputy  Grand -Master,  Grand 
Warden,  Grand  Secretary,  Grand  Treasurer,  Grand 
Representatives  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United 
States. 

*  Each  Grand  Lodge  consists  of  all  the  Past  Grands  in  good 
standing  within  its  jurisdiction ;  but  by  its  constitution  it  may 
restrict  its  legislative  power  to  such  representative  basis  as  it 
may  deem  best  for  the  proper  transaction  of  business ;  but  it  can 
not  abridge  the  privileges  of  Past  Grands  pertaining  to  their 
rank  in  the  Degrees  of  the  Order,  viz. :  their  right  to  past-official 
Degrees,  eligibility  to  office,  precedence  belonging  to  their  grade, 
privilege  of  attending  the  meetings  of  their  Grand  Lodge,  and 
right  to  vote  for  Grand  Officers. — DIGEST,  p.  43. 

t  The  Grand  Lodge  of  Pennsylvania  allows  every  Lodge  of 
one  hundred  or  less  members  one  vote,  and  an  additional  vote 
for  every  fifty  members  over  one  hundred,  but  no  Lodge  is  en- 
titled to  more  than  one  representative.  One  object  of  the  re- 
form intended  was  a  preveition  of  the  confusion  which  might 
arise  in  legislation  by  th«  *apid  increase  of  the  Past  Grands, 
the  number  entitled  to  admission  in  the  Grand  Lodge  now  in- 
creasing at  the  rate  of  about  sixteen  hundred  ant  ually. 


THE  ODD-FELLOW&'   TEXT-BOOK.  121 

The  appointed  officers  [appointed  by  the  Grand- 
Master]  are  as  follows:  Grand  Chaplain,  Grand  Mar- 
shal, Grand  Conductor,  Grand  Guardian,  Grand  Herald, 
and  District  Deputy  Grand-Masters  who  have  charge 
of  the  Lodges  in  counties  or  other  specified  localities.* 

These  officers  are  elected  and  appointed  annually. 

The  Grand-Master  must  preside  and  preserve  order, 
and  enforce  a  due  observance  of  the  laws  of  the  Insti- 
tution ;  give  the  casting  vote  in  cases  of  "  tie,"  except 
in  those  of  the  election  of  officers  ;  and  sign  all  orders 
for  the  payment  of  moneys.  He  may  grant  dispensa- 
tions for  conferring  Degrees  on  a  brother  who  may  re- 
quire them  in  advance  of  the  ordinary  time,  and  con- 
fer official  or  other  Degrees  in  person.  He  must  de- 
cide all  questions  of  law  that  may  arise  during  the  recess 
of  the  Grand  Lodge ;  and  he  must  give  such  instruc- 
tions in  the  work  of  the  Order  as  may  be  necessary. 

The  Deputy  Grand-Master  must  support  the  Grand- 
Master  in  presiding,  and  in  his  absence  fill  the  chair 
for  him.  In  the  event  of  a  vacancy  in  the  office  of 
Grand-Master,  the  Deputy  Grand-Master  becomes  Mas- 
ter for  the  balance  of  the  term. 

The  Grand  Warden  must  assist  the  Grand-Master 
in  conducting  the  business  of  the  Grand  Lodge ;  and, 
under  the  Grand-Master,  have  special  charge  of  the 
door;  and  in  the  absence  of  the  Grand-Master  and 
Deputy  Grand-Master,  he  must  preside. 

The  Grand  Secretary  must  make  a  just  and  true  rec- 
ord of  the  proceedings  of  the  Grand  Lodge  at  every  ses- 
sion,and  transmit  to  the  District  Deputy  Grand-Masters 
and  subordinate  Lodges  printed  copies  thereof.  He  must 
keep  the  accounts  between  the  Grand  Lodge  and  its 

*In  some  jurisdictions  the  D.  D.  Grand-Masters  are  elected  by 
the  Past  Grands  at  the  same  time  as  the  Grand  Officers. 
11 


122  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

subordinates,  receive  all  moneys  coming  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  therefrom,  and  pay  the  same  over  to  the  Grand 
Treasurer.  He  must  issue  all  necessary  notices  and 
circulars  to  subordinates,  and  to  the  District  Grand 
Masters  and  Representatives.  He  must  provide  all 
stationery  for  the  use  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  super- 
intend such  printing  as  the  Grand  Lodge  may  direct. 
He  receives  such  salary  as  may  be  fixed  by  the  Grand 
Body.  He  must,  previous  to  installation,  give  bonds 
to  the  three  first-named  Grand  Officers,  in  such  form 
and  penalty  as  they  may  approve  of,  for  the  faithful 
discharge  of  his  duties. 

The  Grand  Treasurer  must  receive  and  take  charge 
of  the  moneys  of  the  Grand  Lodge  ;  pay  all  orders 
drawn  on  him  by  the  Grand-Master,  under  the  seal  of 
the  Grand  Lodge ;  make  such  investment  of  the  funds 
as  the  Grand  Lodge  may  direct;  keep  his  accounts  in 
such  a  manner  as  will  exhibit  the  sources  and  amount 
of  receipts,  and  by  whom  paid  ;  the  purposes  and 
amount  of  disbursements,  and  to  whom  paid  ;  have  his 
accounts  closed  up  on  the  first  day  of  blank,  annually, 
and  submit  them  to  the  Finance  Committee.  He  must, 
previous  to  installation,  give  bonds  to  the  three  first- 
named  Grand  Officers,  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  his 
duty. 

The  Grand  Representatives  must  attend  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  United  States,  and  faithfully  perform  the 
duties  of  legislators  therein. 

The  Grand  Chaplain  must  attend  the  sessions  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  for  the  purpose  of  opening  and  closing 
with  prayer. 

The  Grand  Marshal  must  assist  the  Deputy  Grand- 
Master  in  supporting  the  Grand-Master  in  the  Grand 


THE   ODD-FELLOWS'"   TEXT-BOOK.  123 

Lodge;  assist  at  the  installation  of  officers  or  organiza- 
tion of  Lodges ;  and  have  charge  of  all  processions  that 
may  be  ordered  or  participated  in  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 

The  Grand  Conductor  must  examine  the  certificates 
of  candidates  for  admission,  and  introduce  such  candi- 
dates to  the  Grand  Lodge  ;  and  assist  the  Grand  Mar- 
shal in  the  discharge  of  his  duties. 

The  Grand  Guardian  must  attend  the  door  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  and  permit  no  improper  person  to  enter. 
At  the  installation  of  the  officers  of  Lodges,  he  must 
have  charge  of  the  door  of  the  Lodge. 

The  Grand  Herald  has  charge  of  the  outer  door,  and 
performs  such  other  duties  as  the  laws  of  his  Grand 
Lodge  prescribe. 

The  District  Deputy  Grand-Masters  must  perform, 
in  their  several  districts,  the  duties  prescribed  in  the 
laws  of  their  jurisdiction.  They  are  the  representative 
of  the  Grand-Master  in  their  respective  districts,  and 
exercise  power  and  authority  as  such.  They  install 
the  officers  of  the  Lodges.  They  must  report  imme- 
diately to  the  Grand-Master  any  violation,  on  the  part 
of  their  Lodges,  of  the  laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge  or 
of  the  Order. 

The  revenue  of  a  Grand  Lodge  is  derivable  from 
charter-fees  and  assessments  on  the  subordinates.  It 
is  appropriated  to  the  purpose  of  defraying  the  neces- 
sary expenses  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 


GRAND  ENCAMPMENTS. 

THESE  bodies  have  control  over  the  Encampments 
of  a  state,  district,  or  territory,  where  they  may  be 
established.  They  also  are  instituted  by  and  are  under 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United 
States.  Although  not  subordinate  to  a  Grand  Lodge, 


124  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT- BOOK. 

yet  they  can  pass  no  laws  excepting  such  as  may  relate 
to  the  government  of  the  Encampments.  In  all  cases 
where  precedence  is  to  be  observed,  they  rank  below 
state  Grand  Lodges,  which  are  the  supreme  legislative 
heads  within  their  respective  jurisdictions. 

They  usually  consist  of  all  Past  Chief-Patriarchs 
and  Past  High-Priests,  but  in  some  instances  of  Past 
Chief-Patriarchs  only,  within  their  respective  juris- 
dictions. 

The  officers  of  a  Grand  Encampment  are  as  follows  : 
Grand  Patriarch,  Grand  High-Priest,  Grand  Senior 
Warden,  Grand  Scribe,  Grand  Treasurer,  Grand  Jun- 
ior Warden,  Grand  Representatives  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  the  United  States,  Grand  Marshal,  Grand  Sentinels, 
and  Deputy  Grand  Patriarchs  for  each  district. 

In  some  jurisdictions  the  Grand  Marshal,  Grand 
Sentinels,  and  Deputies  are  appointed  by  the  Grand 
Patriarch.  The  other  officers  are  elected. 

The  Grand  Patriarch  must  preside,  and  preserve 
order  at  the  sessions  of  the  Grand  Encampment;  de- 
cide all  questions  of  law  and  order;  receive  and 
act  on  all  complaints  which  may  be  made  to  him 
against  his  deputies  or  Encampments  ;  give  such  in- 
structions in  the  work  of  the  Order  as  may  be  neces- 
sary ;  and  grant  dispensations  to  subordinates  in  all 
such  consistent  matters  as  he  may  deem  promotive  of 
the  interests  of  the  Institution.  He  has  supervisory 
authority  over  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Encamp- 
ment. 

The  Grand  High-Priest  must  preside  in  the  absence 
of  the  Grand  Patriarch  ;  and  in  case  that  office  be- 
comes vacant,  he  has  the  full  powers  of  Grand  Patri- 
arch. It  is  his  duty  to  assist  the  Grand  Patriarch  in 
giving  instructions  in  the  work. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  125 

The  Grand  Senior  Warden  must  assist  in  presiding, 
and  in  preserving  order.  In  the  absence  of  the  Grand 
Patriarch  and  Grand  High- Priest,  he  must  have  charge 
of  the  Grand  Encampment.  He  is  the  third  officer 
of  that  body :  in  case  of  a  vacancy  in  the  offices  of 
Grand  Patriarch  and  Grand  High-Priest,  he  has  the 
full  power  of  the  Grand  Patriarch. 

The  duties  of  the  Grand  Scribe  and  Grand  Treas- 
urer are  similar  to  those  of  the  Secretary  and  Treas- 
urer of  a  Grand  Lodge. 

The  Grand  Junior  Warden  must  open  and  close 
the  Grand  Encampment  according  to  the  regular  form. 
He  must  introduce  all  new  members. 

The  Grand  Representatives  must  perform  the  duties 
of  legislators  in  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States. 

The  Grand  Marshal  has  charge  of  all  processions  of 
the  Patriarchal  branch  of  the  Order  in  which  the  Grand 
Encampment  may  appear. 

The  Grand  Sentinels  have  charge  of  the  doors,  and 
must  prevent  the  admission  of  any  improper  person. 

The  duties  of  Deputy  Grand-Patriarchs,  in  the  gov- 
ernment of  their  Encampments,  are  similar  to  those  of 
Deputy  Grand-Masters  in  the  government  of  their 
Lodges. 

The  revenue  of  a  Grand  Encampment  is  derivable 
from  charter-fe?s  and  assessments  on  the  subordinates, 
and  13  appropr  ated  to  defray  necessary  expenses. 
11* 


126  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


THE    GRAND    LODGE    OF  THE    UNI- 
TED   STATES. 

THE  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States  is  the  source 
of  all  true  and  legitimate  Odd- Fellowship  in  the  Uni- 
ted States  of  America,  and  possesses  such  powers  and 
jurisdiction  over  the  whole  brotherhood  as  are  pro- 
vided in  the  constitution  and  ritual  of  the  Order. 
Its  authority  extends,  also,  to  such  Lodges  and  En- 
campments as  may  be  organized  under  its  charter  in 
foreign  countries.  It  had  in  the  year  1873  established 
a  Grand  Lodge  in- Germany.  All  Grand  and  Subor- 
dinate Lodges,  and  Grand  and  Subordinate  Encamp- 
ments, in  these  countries,  are  under  its  jurisdiction  and 
subject  to  its  control,  and  derive  their  authority  from 
it.  It  may  also  establish  Lodges  in  any  other  part  of 
the  world. 

The  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States  is  a  body 
corporate.  It  was  incorporated  by  the  legislature 
of  Maryland  February  1st,  1876. 

It  is  the  ultimate  tribunal  to  which  all  matters  of 
general  importance  to  the  State,  District,  and  Terri- 
torial Grand  Bodies  are  to  be  referred,  and  its  decisions 
thereon  are  final  and  conclusive.  It  possesses  the 
power  to  regulate  and  control  the  work  of  the  Order, 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  127 

and  the  several  Degrees  belonging  thereto,  and  to  fix 
and  determine  the  customs  and  usages  in  regard  to  all 
things  which  concern  Odd-Fellowship. 

Its  members  are  the  representatives  of  Grand  Lodges 
and  Grand  Encampments,  and  must  be  members  in 
good  standing  of  their  subordinate  Lodges  and  En- 
campments, members  of  a  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand 
Encampment,  and  in  possession  of  the  R.  P.  Degree. 
They  are  elected  for  two  years  by  their  respective 
Grand  Bodies.  Each  G.  Lodge  or  G.  Encampment 
of  one  thousand  members  or  less,  is  entitled  to  one 
Representative ;  if  over  one  thousand,  to  two  Repre- 
sentatives. Candidates  for  office  must  have  the  same 
standing  in  the  Order  as  the  Grand  Representatives. 

The  elective  officers  are,  Most  Worthy  Grand-Sire, 
Right  Worthy  Deputy  Grand-Sire,  Right  Worthy 
Grand  Corresponding  and  Recording  Secretary,  and 
Right  Worthy  Grand  Treasurer,  and  are  elected 
biennially  by  the  Grand  Representatives,  by  ballot, 
and  by  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  cast.  They  are 
installed  at  the  last  day  of  the  session  at  which  they 
are  elected. 

The  appointed  officers  are,  Right  Worthy  Assistant 
Grand  Secretary, Right  Worthy  Grand  Chaplain, Right 
Worthy  Grand  Marshal,  Right  Worthy  Grand  Guar- 
dian, and  Right  Worthy  Grand  Messenger,  who  are 
nominated  by  the  Grand-Sire  and  approved  by  the 
Grand  Lodge,  and  are  installed  immediately  after  the 
installation  of  the  elective  officers. 

They  may  be  chosen  from  any  of  the  Grand  Lodges 
or  Encampments,  and  need  not  be  elected  Representa- 
tives. Past  Grand-Sires  are  entitled  to  speak  on  all 
subjects,  but  the  Representatives  only  are  entitled 


128  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

to  vote,  on  all  questions  before  the  Grand  Lodge,  ir. 
the  manner  following  :  Each  Grand  Lodge  or  Encamp- 
ment having  less  than  one  thousand  members,  one 
vote ;  and  each  Grand  Lodge  or  Encampment  having 
more  than  one  thousand  members,  one  additional  vote. 

It  is  the  duty  of  the  Grand-Sire  to  preside  at  the 
sessions  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  to  preserve  order,  and 
to  enforce  the  laws.  He  has  the  casting-vote  in  all 
cases  of  "  tie."  During  the  recess  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
he  has  a  general  superintendence  over  the  interests  of 
the  Order.  He  must  hold  no  office  in  a  subordinate 
Grand  Lodge,  or  Grand  Encampment,  while  acting  as 
Grand-Sire. 

The  Deputy  Grand-Sire  must  aid  the  Grand-Sire, 
by  his  advice  and  assistance,  and  preside  in  his  ab- 
sence. He  must  also  open  and  close  the  meetings  of 
the  Grand  Lodge. 

The  Grand  Secretary  (Recording  and  Correspond- 
ing) must  keep  a  record  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Grand 
Lodge;  keep  accounts  between  the  Grand  Lodge  and 
the  Grand  and  subordinate  Lodges  and  Encampments 
under  its  jurisdiction  ;  write  all  letters  and  communi- 
cations ;  carry  on  the  correspondence  of  the  Grand 
Lodge ;  and  perform  such  other  duties  as  may  be 
required  of  them.  The  duties  of  these  two  officers 
have  been  for  several  years  performed  by  P.  G.  M. 
JAMES  L.  RIDOELY,  Esq.,  of  Maryland,  whose  ca- 
pacity and  faithfulness  have  been  such  as  to  deserve 
the  admiration  and  thanks  of  the  brotherhood  at  large. 
As  an  evidence  of  the  appreciation  in  which  he  is  held 
oy  the  Fraternity,  it  is  merely  necessary  to  advert  to 
the  fact  that  he  has  been  unanimously  elected,  year 
pfter  year,  by  the  Representatives  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT  BOOK  129 

whose  constituents  have  given  unmistakable  evidence 
of  their  impression  that  the  loss  of  his  services  would 
be  a  real  calamity  to  the  Institution.  P.  G.  Master 
Ridgely  has  done  more  for  Odd-Fellowship,  in  these 
United  States,  than  any  other  brother  in  the  Order. 
He  is  a  man  of  much  intelligence,  and  of  the  strictest 
integrity.  As  long  as  Odd-Fellowship  has  a  name 
and  character  (which  will  be  for  ever !)  he  will  be 
remembered  as  its  most  eminent  and  competent  advo- 
cate and  exponent. 

The  Grand  Treasurer  receives  all  moneys,  and 
pays  all  orders  drawn  on  him  by  the  Grand-Sire. 

The  Assistant  Grand  Secretary  assists  the  Grand 
Corresponding  and  Recording  Secretary  in  the  per- 
formance of  his  duties. 

The  Grand  Marshal,  and  the  Grand  Chaplain,  must 
perform  such  duties  as  are  usual  to  such  offices. 

The  Grand  Guardian  attends  to  the  admission  of 
the  members,  whom  he  is  required  to  "  prove  "  before 
he  permits  them  to  enter  the  Grand  Lodge. 

The  Grand  Messenger's  duty  is  to  assist  the  Grand 
Secretary,  and  perform  such  other  duty  as  the  Grand 
Lodge  may  require. 

At  each  annual  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  the 
Grand-Sire  must  appoint  in  each  State,  District,  or 
Territory  (in  which  there  are  not  a  Grand  Lodge  or 
a  Grand  Encampment),  an  officer,  to  be  styled  "  Dis- 
trict-Deputy Grand-Sire,"  whose  duty  it  will  be  to  act 
as  the  special  Agent  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  perform 
such  offices  as  it  may  direct.  He  has  a  general  super- 
vision over  all  subordinate  Lodges  or  Encampments 
in  his  district,  which  work  under  Charters  granted  by 

I 


130  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOC  x. 

the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States.  To  qualify  a 
brother  for  this  office,  he  must  be  a  regular  contrib- 
uting member  of  a  subordinate  Lodge  and  Encamp- 
ment, and  must  have  attained  the  rank  of  Past  Grand, 
and  be  a  Royal-Purple  Degree  member. 

The  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States  meets  annu- 
ally, on  the  third  Monday  in  September,  at  such 
place  as  may  be  designated  by  itself.  A  majority 
of  the  Representatives  of  the  several  Grand  Lodges 
and  Grand  Encampments  is  necessary  to  constitute  a 
quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

The  revenue  of  the  Grand  Lodge  arises  from  char- 
ter-fees, dues  from  Grand  and  subordinate  Lodges  and 
Encampments  under  its  jurisdiction,  and  from  the  sale 
of  books  and  cards  for  the  use  of  the  Lodges. 

The  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States  was  organ- 
ized February  7, 1821,  by  a  committee  of  Past  Grands 
from  Lodges  which  had  been  instituted  by  Thomas 
Wildey,  John  Welsh,  John  Boyd,  and  others,  by  vir- 
tue of  a  Dispensation  granted  to  them  by  the  "Duke 
of  York's  Lodge,  holden  at  Preston,  Old  England." 
It  was  then  called  "  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Maryland 
and  of  the  United  States."  Subsequently,  on  the  22d 
of  November,  1824,  it  was  established  as  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  United  States,  and  the  title  "  Grand 
Lodge  of  Maryland"  dropped.  THOMAS  WILDEY  was 
the  first  Grand-Master;  JOHN  WELSH,  Deputy  Grand- 
Master  ;  WILLIAM  WILLIAMS,  Sec'y ;  and  THOMAS 
MITCHELL,  Guardian.  At  the  session  in  April,  1S26, 
the  title  of  Grand-Sire  of  the  Grand-Lodge  of  the 
United  States  was  suggested,  and  in  1828  the  Consti 
tution  was  revised  and  this  title  confirmed.  From  this 
time  the  Grand  Lodge  has  increased  in  importance, 
and  in  the  number  of  Odd-Fel!ows  within  its  jurisdic- 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  131 

tion,  until  there  are  under  its  control  (in  1877)  48 
Grand  Lodges,  6,678  Subordinate  Lodges,  with  a  mem- 
bership of  456,125.  There  are  39  Grand  Encampments, 
with  1,806  Subordinates,  and  a  membership  of  87,785. 
The  Lodges  are  represented  in  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
United  States  by  86  votes,  and  the  Encampments  by  59 
votes,  making  a  total  of  145  votes. 


ORGANIZATION  OF  LODGES,  ETC.,  AND 
INSTALLATION  OF  OFFICERS. 

LODGES  are  organized  and  officers  installed  by  the 
Grand-Master  of  the  Grand  Lodge  in  person,  or  by 
his  Deputy,  who  must  be  a  Past  Grand.  He  is  as- 
sisted by  the  Grand  Officers.  If  these  are  not  present 
in  person,  their  places  may  be  filled  by  Past  Grands. 
Previous  to  organization,  the  brothers  applying  for  the 
Lodge  must  agree  to  conform  to  and  support  the  laws 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  and  of  the  Order.  Previous  to 
the  installation  of  officers,  they  must  be  examined  by 
the  Grand  Marshal,  whose  duty  it  is  to  ascertain 
whether  they  are  competent  to  fill  the  offices  to  which 
they  have  been  elected,  and  who,  if  the  examination 
prove  satisfactory,  will  present  them  severally  to  the 
Grand-Master,  who  will  duly  install,  or  cause  them  to 
be  installed.  As  each  appears  for  this  purpose,  the 
Lodge  is  required  to  express  its  satisfaction  or  other- 
wise of  the  choice  it  has  made  in  him,  for  the  informa- 
ation  of  the  Grand-Master,  whose  province  it  is  to  as 


132  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

certain  whether  the  election  has  been  regular  and  prop- 
erly understood.  If  objection  be  made  to  the  installa- 
tion of  any  officer,  the  Grand-Master  will  ascertain  if  it 
be  valid,  and  in  case  it  should,  he  will  immediately 
order  a  new  election,  which  he  will  superintend  in 
person.  After  the  installation  is  concluded,  the  Grand- 
Master  will  instruct  the  various  officers  in  their  duties, 
and,  after  having  delivered  to  the  Lodge  its  Charter, 
books,  and  papers,  he  must  receive  (if  the  Lodge  be 
one  which  has  been  previously  in  operation),  a  correct 
"  return"  of  its  membership,  its  pecuniary  condition, 
names  of  officers  past  and  present,  number  of  Degrees 
conferred,  names  of  brothers  su;»pended  or  expelled, 
with  the  causes  therefor,  and  names  of  persons  reject- 
ed, together  with  the  amount  of  dues  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  ;  \yhich  he  is  required  to  forward  to  the  office 
of  the  Grand  Secretary.  Such  "retuins"  should  al- 
ways be  prepared  previous  to  the  attendance  of  the 
Grand-Master  for  the  purpose  of  installing,  so  that  they 
may  be  placed  in  his  hands  the  moment  he  calls  for 
them.  Blank  forms  for  this  purpose  are  furnished  in 
ample  season  to  all  Lodges,  by  the  Grand  Secretary. 
The  election  and  installation  of  officers  of  Lodges  and 
Encampments  occur  semi-annually,  usually  in  January 
and  July.  In  the  absence  of  the  D.  D.  Grand-Master, 
or  installing  officer,  any  P.  G.  may  install  the  officers 
of  a  Lodge. 

ENCAMPMENTS  are  organized  and  installed  by  the 
Grand  Patriarch  of  the  Grand  Encampment,  assisted 
by  the  Grand  High-Priest,  Senior  and  Junior  War- 
dens, Secretary,  Treasurer,  and  Sentinel.  The  style 
of  their  organization  and  installation  (not  theybrm)  is 
similar  to  that  of  Lodges. 


THE  ODD-FBI  LOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  133 

GRAND  LODGES  AND  GRAND  ENCAMPMENTS  are 
organized  by  the  Grand-Sire  or  his  deputy.  Past 
Grand-Officers  of  these  bodies  may  install  the  officers 
elect.  Previous  to  installation,  such  officers  must 
agree  to  conform  to  and  support  the  rules  and  laws 
of  the  Order  as  adopted  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
United  States. 


Members  of  Grand  Lodges  consist  of  all  Past 
Grands  in  good  standing  in  the  subordinates;  they 
are  admitted  on  the  authority  of  certificates  granted  by 
the  Lodges  of  which  they  are  members  ;  which  certifi- 
cates must  specify  that  the  brothers  holding  them 
have  been  instructed  in  the  five  Degrees,  and  served 
an  elective  term  in  the  office  of  Noble-Grand. 

The  members  of  Grand  Encampments  consist  of 
all  Past  Chief-Patriarchs,  and  in  some  States  also  of 
all  Past  High-Priests,  who  are  admitted  on  the  au- 
thority of  certificates,  specifying  that  such  officers  have 
served  an  elective  term  as  Chief-Patriarchs  or  High- 
Priests  of  Encampments. 

NOTE. —  For   Public   Installation   of   Officers   of  Subordinate 
Lodges,  see  page  244, 
12 


134  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


s 

AN  ODD-FELLOW'S  COUNSEL, 

IN    NINE  CHAPTERS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

I. 

MAN,  in  this  world  of  misfortune  and  care,  needs 
BROTHERHOOD.  In  his  hours  of  darkness  and  trouble, 
he  requires  a  friendly  hand  to  cheer  and  comfort  him. 

How  brief,  indeed,  is  his  life  !  how  rapidly  his  days 
fly!  Soon  he  will  reach  that  goal  whence  no  traveller 
returns.  In  his  brief  journey,  should  he  not  be  com- 
forted as  well  as  admonished  ? 

We  are  but  shadows,  floating  for  a  moment  over 
time,  soon  to  be  dissipated  by  the  light  of  eternity 
How  often  are  we  called  upon  to  shed  the  tear  of  sym- 
pathy over  the  grave  of  what  was  once  great  and  noble, 
fair  and  lovely  !  How  often  are  the  ravages  of  the 
destroyer  beheld  amid  the  busy  tribes  of  flesh  and 
blood  —  perhaps  in  the  very  circle  of  relationship  and 
friendship  —  changing  joy  into  sorrow,  the  fairest  spots 
into  the  gloomiest  wastes,  and  severing  the  most  en- 
deared and  tender  associations  !  Indeed,  man  is  sur- 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  135 

rounded  by  innumerable  mementoes  of  his  mortality. 
To-day  he  looks  upon  the  coffin  of  the  smiling  infant; 
to-morrow  he  sees  the  youth,  in  the  bloom  of  life  and 
hope,  consigned  to  an  untimely  grave  ;  and  again  he 
follows  one,  who,  after  a  long  pilgrimage  through  life, 
has  sunk,  at  length,  to  rest.  Upon  his  own  brow  is 
stamped  the  seal  of  mortality ;  and  he  is  ever  reminded, 
by  the  inroads  of  decay  upon  his  own  system,  of  that 
time  when  he  shall  become  a  tenant  of  the  tomb. 
"  Man  cometh  forth  like  a  flower,  and  is  cut  down ;, 
he  fleeth  as  a  shadow,  and  continueth  not ;"  alike  in 
the  moments  of  solitude  and  sadness,  when  the  days 
of  other  years,  and  the  forms  of  the  departed,  long 
buried  in  the  stillness  of  the  tomb,  come  over  the 
mind  with  the  vividness  of  reality ;  and  in  hours  of 
triumph  and  hilarity,  when  mirth  and  festivity  are  in 
the  ascendant,  he  is  checked  and  dismayed  by  the 
chilling  presage  of  death,  and  thinks  of  the  time  when 
it  shall  be  said  of  him,  that  he  sleeps  the  sleep  that 
shall  know  no  earthly  waking! 

Yet  death  —  which  is  the  effect  of  SIN  —  if  we  seri- 
ously meditate  upon  the  solemn  admonition  it  affords, 
will  teach  us  that  our  hearts  should  foster  no  EVIL  — 
evil,  which  is  the  bane  of  society,  and  the  fountain  of 
all  wrong;  the  progenitor  of  crime,  hatred,  and  vio- 
lence, whose  fearful  consequences  must  continue  to 
afflict  mankind,  until  the  coming  of  that  glorious  day 
when  — 

"  The  lambs  with  wolves  shall  graze  the  verdant  mead, 
And  boys  in  flowery  bands  the  tiger  lead  ; 
The  steer  and  lion  at  one  crib  shall  meet, 
And  harmless  serpents  lick  the  pilgrim's  feet ; 
The  smiling  infant  in  his  hand  shall  take 
The  crested  basilisk  and  speckled  snake  — 


136  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

Pleased,  the  green  lustre  of  their  scales  survey, 
And  with  their  forky  tongues  shall  innocently  play 
All  crimes  shall  cease,  and  ancient  frauds  shall  fail, 
Returning  JUSTICE  lift  aloft  her  scale, 
PEACF  o'er  the  world  her  olive  wand  extend, 
And  white-robed  INNOCENCE  from  heaven  descend !" 

This  will  be  the  era  of  Universal  Brotherhood 
when  the  tears  and  woes  of  this  world  will  disappear 
before  the  light  of  Benevolence  and  Peace. 

ii 

In  the  course  of  years,  many  solemn  changes  pass 
before  us.  Man  comes  upon  the  scene  of  life ;  he 
flourishes,  prospers,  declines,  and  dies ;  but,  if  he  be 
observant,  he  will  see  and  profit  by  the  lessons  of  life. 
One  of  these  lessons  will  teach  him  that  the  good  man 
will  never  be  forsaken  by  his  GOD,  and  that  even 
his  children  will  reap  the  advantages  of  his  conduct. 
Thus,  David  said  that  he  had  been  young,  and  was 
now  old ;  yet  he  had  never  seen  the  righteous  for- 
saken, nor  his  seed  begging  bread. 

Friendship,  Love,  and  Truth,  practised  by  man  toward 
his  neighbor  universally,  would  make  a  paradise  of 
this  world.  Then,  indeed,  in  the  language  of  Pope  — 

"  No  more  should  nation  against  nation  rise, 
No  ardent  warriors  meet,  with  hateful  eyes, 
Nor  fields  with  gleaming  steel  be  covered  o'er, 
The  brazen  trumpet  kindle  rage  no  more ; 
But  useless  lances  into  scythes  should  bend, 
And  the  broad  falchion  in  a  ploughshare  end : 
Then  palaces  should  rise ;  the  joyful  son 
Should  finish  what  his  short-lived  sire  begun  ; 
The  vines  a  shadow  to  their  race  should  yield, 
And  the  same  hand  that  sowed  should  reap  the  field." 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  137 

Friendship,  Love,  and  Truth,  if  practised  faithfully, 
are  a  safeguard  against  the  ills  of  life.  If  we  be  actu- 
ated by  these  motives  in  all  our  transactions  with  our 
fellows,  we  shall  be  indeed  happy. 

in. 

Good  conduct  before  the  world  will  secure  to  us 
the  esteem  of  the  wise  and  virtuous.  The  example 
wo  show  will  have  an  important  influence  for  good  or 
ill.  Faith  and  virtue  are  ever  admired,  even  by  the 
bad ;  falsehood  and  vice  are  despicable,  even  to  those 
who  practise  them.  We  must  be  honest :  "  an  honest 
man's  the  noblest  work  of  God."  In  our  dealings 
with  mankind,  and  especially  with  our  brethren,  we 
should  take  nothing  more  than  our  due ;  in  all  things 
we  should  avoid  the  very  semblance  of  deception. 
We  should  be  honest  to  our  neighbor  by  speaking  well 
of  him  —  and,  if  we  can  not  thus  speak  of  him,  by 
holding  our  peace  concerning  him.  The  calumniator 
can  not  be  a  man  of  good  faith ;  he  is  not  to  be 
trusted ;  he  should  be  shunned  as  a  leprosy.  He  is 
more  to  be  despised  than  the  thief;  for 

"  He  who  steals  our  purse  steals  trash ; 
'Twas  ours — 'tis  his  —  and  has  been  slave  to  thousands; 
But  he  who  filches  from  us  our  good  name, 
Robs  us  of  that  which  not  enriches  him, 
Yet  makes  us  poor  indeed." 

IV. 

Men  are  not  always  what  they  seem.     We  may  be 
greatly  deceived  in  them.     The  poor  man,  with  the 
rough,  hard  hand,  and  humble  garb  may  be  good  and 
12* 


138  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

generous,  while  another,  with  the  manners  and  appear- 
ance of  what  the  world  calls  a  "  gentleman,"  may 
be  base  and  mean.  We  should,  therefore,  judge 
of  men  by  their  conduct,  not  by  their  appearance 
or  profession.  He  who  possesses  a  humane  and 
a  benevolent  heart — who  is  willing  to  do  good  to 
his  neighbor — who  closes  not  his  hand  against  his 
brother,  is  a  true  man,  be  his  situation  in  life  ever 
so  humble. 

Love  is  the  remedy  for  all  social  evils.  It  is  the 
fundamental  principle  of  all  good.  We  should  make 
it  our  aim,  our  study.  He  who  loves  his  God  and 
his  fellow,  and  by  his  actions  proves  his  sincerity,  is  a 
blessing  to  his  race. 

Man,  by  his  own  evil  passions,  brings  himself  into 
a  state  of  slavery  more  bitter  than  any  human  bondage. 
If  he  suffer  himself  to  be  led  captive  by  them,  he  must 
at  last  be  dragged  to  the  lowest  depths  of  wretched- 
ness—  misery  —  despair.  He  should,  therefore,  if 
under  their  control,  seek  to  liberate  himself  from  their 
grasp,  ere  their  hold  upon  him  become  so  firm  that  it 
can  not  be  shaken. 

Man  gropes  his  way  through  life  in  darkness  and 
doubt ;  his  reason  and  his  moral  nature  are  dark  ;  un- 
til he  acquires,  by  virtuous  perseverance,  a  knowledge 
of  himself,  his  duty,  and  his  destiny.  Then  the  light 
breaks  in  upon  him,  and  he  sees  clearly  the  path  he  is 
required  to  tread. 

The  objects  which  so  often  excite  men's  passionate 
ambition  are,  when  viewed  in  the  light  of  mortality, 
so  insignificant,  that  the  reflecting  mind  will  turn  from 
them  with  disgust.  It  is  far  better  to  be  an  humble 
follower  of  the  path  of  Virtue  than  to  pursue  the 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  139 

ignus-fatuus  of  Wealth,  or  Power,  or  Pleasure.  These 
are  evanescent  and  perishable  ;  they  elude  our  grasp  : 
but  Virtue,  substantial  and  everlasting,  will  give  us 
present  enjoyment,  as  well  as  happiness  eternal. 


v. 

Man  is  a  constituent  of  one  universal  Brotherhood, 
having  come  from  the  hand  of  a  common  Parent.  He 
should  not,  therefore,  wrap  himself  up  in  self,  and 
refuse  his  good  offices  to  his  brother ;  for,  without  that 
brother,  what  would  he  be  ?  what  could  he  do  ?  No 
human  being  can  be  "independent." 

"  God  never  made  an  independent  man  ; 
'T  would  jar  the  concord  of  his  general  plan." 

Under  the  comprehensive  influence  of  Friendship, 
Love,  and  Truth,  all  the  tribes  and  kindred  of  the 
earth  may  meet  and  concentrate  their  energies  for  the 
good  of  the  race  of  man.  By  it,  all  nations,  tongues, 
and  creeds,  may  be  brought  to  comprehend  the  motive 
for  Fraternity. 

FRATERNITY  !  This  is  our  corner-stone.  Upon 
its  solid  basis  rests  our  superstructure.  It  teaches  us 
to  regard  the  great  family  of  mankind  as  our  brethren  ; 
children  of  one  heavenly  Father,  the  great  Author  of 
our  existence,  "  in  whom  we  live,  and  move,  and  have 
our  being ;"  and  that  we  should,  in  our  conduct,  reflect 
the  image  of  that  Father,  after  whose  likeness  Man  was 
formed. 

FRIENDSHIP,  LOVE,  and  TRUTH! — fit  warriors 
against  vice  in  all  its  forms  !  FRIENDSHIP  prompts 
the  contest;  LOVE'S  gentle  influence  will  supply  the 


140  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

weapons ;  TRUTH  will  consecrate  the  effort  and  lead 
to  victory. 

Let  us  engage  in  this  holy  war ;  nor  cease  our  bat- 
tle until  the  world  shall  be  conquered  to  our  cause, 
and  induced  to  enlist  under  our  banner. 


CHAPTER  II. 

I. 

No  man,  however  poor  or  despised  he  may  be,  is 
entirely  friendless.  The  natural  affections  never  com- 
pletely die  :  sympathy  will  at  least  survive,  and  prompt 
exertion  in  behalf  of  the  forsaken.  Yet  the  kindly  sen- 
sibilities often  become  blunted  by  time,  and  the  heart, 
hardened  by  selfishness,  forgets  the  tenderness  with 
which  it  was  wont  to  regard  the  sorrows  of  the  dis- 
tressed. 

Association  for  purposes  of  benevolence  serve  to 
banish  selfishness,  and  to  keep  alive  and  active  the 
kindly  sensibilities  of  the  heart,  by  enforcing  an  ob- 
servance of  social  and  humane  duties. 


n. 

We  must,  if  we  would  be  MEN,  be  sober,  temperate, 
and  chaste.  The  drunkard  is  a  curse  to  himself,  his 
family,  his  friends,  and  the  world.  He  renders  him- 
self wretched  in  this  life,  and  unfitted  for  the  life  here- 
after. The  intemperate  man  is  only  one  step  behind 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  141 

the  drunkard  ;  if  he  do  not  pause,  he  must  shortly 
overtake  him.  The  unchaste  man  must  bring  upon 
himself  certain  disgrace ;  he  is  a  scandal  to  his  kind, 
and  shall  be  despised  by  the  good  and  pure. 


in. 


Benevolence  diffuses  a  lustre  at  once  around  the 
benefactor  and  the  object  of  his  bounty  ;  it  is  a  crown 
of  glory  to  the  meek  and  merciful  of  heart ;  and  while 
it  challenges  the  admiration  of  men,  must  secure  the 
favor  of  him  who  said,  "  Blessed  are  the  merciful,  for 
they  shall  obtain  mercy."  If  there  is  anything  that 
tends  to  exalt  man  in  the  scale  of  sublime  virtue,  and 
assimilate  him  to  the  Divine  character,  it  is  this.  Be- 
nevolence does  not  consist  in  fair  words  only  —  it  is 
not  a  mere  name,  but  a  deed  —  it  is  a  duty  to  be  per- 
formed from  principle,  and  not  from  the  excitement  of 
mere  pity.  It  will  carry  us  to  the  abode  of  the  sufferer, 
and  it  will  seek  out  sensible,  living  objects,  with  the 
purpose  and  intention  of  relieving  them,  because  it  is 
a  duty  so  to  do. 


IV. 


Brotherly  Love  shall  dwell  among  those  who  meet 
for  purposes  of  Benevolence.  Kindly  sentiments  for 
each  other  and  for  the  world  shall  be  enkindled  in  their 
hearts,  and  burn  brighter  and  brighter  throughout  all 
time.  If  Benevolence,  Brotherly  Love,  and  Charity, 
dwell  in  our  breasts,  and  are  exemplified  in  our  lives. 
who  can  reckon  the  amount  of  happiness  they  shal- 


142  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

bring?  The  fraternal  relation  is  one  around  which 
cluster  the  best  feelings  of  our  nature ;  and  he  who 
becomes  duly  impressed  with  a  sense  of  the  obligations 
of  this  relationship  can  neither  be  controlled  by  selfish- 
ness nor  indifference.  In  the  sacred  chain  that  binds 
us,  whatever  link  is  touched  by  the  hand  of  Violence 
or  Corruption,  tenth  or  ten  thousandth,  breaks  that 
chain  alike.  Let  there  be  no  strife,  therefore,  between 
us,  for  we  are  brethren  :  yea,  let  us  leave  off  contention 
before  it  be  meddled  with.  We  profess  principles 
which  shall  destroy  the  stubble  and  the  chaff  of  dissen- 
sion, and  refine  the  powers  and  faculties  which  consti- 
tute the  dignity  and  glory  of  man. 

Charity  springs  from  the  heart;  it  softens  the  affec- 
tions ;  it  brings  to  its  dispenser  pleasures  the  most  sub- 
lime. The  poor  and  the  rich  love  him  ;  he  is  honored 
and  respected  at  home  and  abroad.  His  home  is  the 
mansion  of  peace,  and  in  all  its  relations  he  is  blessed. 
He  who  is  actuated  by  the  heavenly  influence  of  char- 
ity— who  is  deeply  imbued  with  that  spirit  which  not 
only  "  worketh  no  ill  to  its  neighbor,"  but  which  is 
constantly  striving  to  do  that  neighbor  all  the  good 
possible  —  is  always  pleased  with  any  opportunity  that 
may  present  itself  for  relieving  the  destitute.  The  man 
who  has  true  charity  looks  upon  the  world  of  suffering 
humanity  as  the  objects  of  his  regard  and  care  ;  and  so 
far  as  he  may  have  the  power  or  ability  to  relieve  suf- 
fering, he  performs  the  duty  with  pleasure. 

Nor  does  Charity  aim  only  at  the  alleviation  of  hu- 
man misery.  It  strives  also  to  prevent  unhappiness. 
It  watches  with  anxious  eye  the  threatened  ill,  and 
throws  up  its  protecting  hand  to  avert  the  danger.  It 
hesitates  not  to  step  aside  from  its  ordinary  course,  to 


THE  ODD-FELLC  Ws'  TEXT-BOOK.  143 

warn  the  object  of  its  concern  of  any  evil  that  may  be 
by  such  friendly  warning  avoided.  It  throws  its  mantle 
over  the  faults  and  failings  of  humanity,  and  seeks  to 
find  excuses  for  those  frailties,  rather  than  to  hold  them 
up  to  the  world's  view,  to  the  injury  of  mankind :  for 
it  considers  that  men  are  at  best  erring  beings,  and 
that  as  such  they  can  not  avoid  the  failings  incident  to 
poor,  weak  human  nature.  In  a  word,  Charity,  if  its 
impulses  were  faithfully  regarded,  would  change  this 
world  of  gloom  and  misery  to  a  paradise ;  it  would 
lead  man  to  follow  that  golden  rule  of  doing  to  others 
"  as  he  would  wish  others  to  do  to  him ;"  and  thus 
might  the  whole  human  family  become  united  in  the 
bonds  of  Friendship.  He  who  practises  this  charity, 
and  teaches  it  to  others,  shall  be  crowned  with  honor, 
and  come  down  to  the  grave  in  peace,  with  the  full 
assurance  of  a  blessed  future 


CHAPTER  III. 
I. 

MUTUAL  relief  can  be  afforded  by  a  union  of  men 
for  the  purpose  of  aiding  each  other  in  the  time  of  dis- 
tress, danger,  or  difficulty. 

A  system  of  mutual  relief  cultivates  the  sympathies 
and  relieves  the  woes  of  men.  That  shame  of  depen- 
dence and  alms-receiving  which  tingles  in  the  manly 
cheek,  and  pierces  with  sharp  agony  the  heart,  is  not 
the  least  of  the  keen  pangs  of  poverty.  Often  and  long 


144  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

will  the  natural  pride  of  the  sufferer  lead  him  to  pine 
and  consume  in  secret,  before  he  will  let  the  world 
know  the  fact  that  the  wan  cheek  and  the  hollow  eye 
have  revealed  long  before.  Yea,  at  times  shame  will 
drive  a  man  even  to  crime.  He  will  not  beg,  be  the 
consequences  what  they  may ;  and  the  fierceness  of 
hunger  preying  upon  our  tempted,  frail  nature,  will 
nerve  to  the  commission  of  foul  deeds  the  soul  that  a 
short  time  before  would  have  shrunk  with  horror  from 
the  idea.  A  system  of  mutual  relief  will  prevent  this 
crushing  misery,  and  save  the  victim  of  it  from  despair 
and  crime. 


ir. 


In  an  association  for  mutual  relief,  men  of  all  classes 
and  conditions  enter  into  a  covenant,  or  contract,  or 
bargain,  to  help  and  support,  to  protect  and  defend,  to 
advise  with  and  admonish  each  other. 

In  this  world  of  trouble  and  care,  such  an  associa- 
tion is  surely  needed  ;  for  the  strongest,  the  wealthiest, 
or  the  most  prosperous  man,  may,  in  a  moment,  be 
crushed  by  adversity. 

There  are  many  pleasing  associations  in  the  idea  of 
a  covenant.  GOD  himself  has  made  a  covenant  with 
man  ;  he  has  told  us  that  the  rainbow  is  the  seal  of  that 
covenant ;  and  he  thereby  assures  us,  through  the  pa- 
triarch Noah,  that  this  earth  shall  no  more  be  deluged 
by  the  waters.  He  also  entered  into  other  covenants 
with  his  people  —  evidences  of  his  love  and  regard 
for  them,  amid  their  murmurings  and  disobedience, 
which  prove  the  boundlessness  of  his  goodness  and 
mercy 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  145 

Covenants  have  existed  in  all  nations,  among  a)' 
people.  We  find  them  in  every  walk  of  life.  Men 
bind  themselves  to  each  other  in  various  business  rela- 
tions:  nations  make  treaties  or  covenants  of  peace; 
young  men  and  maidens  enter  into  covenants  of  mar 
riage. 

These,  however,  are  mere  compacts  of  business : 
the  covenant  of  brotherhood  is  one  more  holy  and  sub- 
lime ;  it  is  designed  to  remove  the  obstacles  that  inter- 
pose between  the  hearts  of  men. 


m. 


David  and  Jonathan  pledged  themselves  in  a  cove- 
nant of  friendship  and  love,  the  history  of  which  is 
most  interesting  and  affecting.  David,  an  humble 
shepherd,  without  title  or  honors,  and  Jonathan,  the 
son  and  heir  of  a  powerful  Hebrew  king,  were  bound 
to  each  other  in  the  equality  of  friendship  by  a  tie 
which  no  power  could  sever.  When  the  envious  king, 
who  was  jealous  of  David,  because  of  his  noble  and 
daring  exploits,  sought  to  kill  him,  Jonathan  warned 
his  friend  of  his  danger,  and  determined  to  arrest  it. 
'  Now,  therefore,  I  pray  thee,"  said  he  to  David,  "  take 
heed  to  thyself  until  the  morning,  and  abide  in  a  secret 
place,  and  hide  thyself:  and  I  will  go  out  and  stand 
beside  my  father  in  the  field  where  thou  art,  and  I  will 
commune  with  my  father  of  thee  ;  and  what  I  see,  that 
I  will  tell  thee."  And  Jonathan,  in  accordance  with 
his  covenant,  did  speak  well  of.  David  to  his  father ; 
he  reasoned  with  him,  and  persuaded  him,  until  he 

obtained  a  promise  from  him  that  David  should  no 
13  K 


146  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

be  slain.     And  he  brought  David  to  his  father,  and  he 
was  in  his  presence  as  in  times  past. 


IV. 


But  the  evil  spirit  of  envy  and  jealousy  came  again 
over  Saul  the  king,  as  he  sat  in  his  house  with  his 
javelin  in  his  hand,  and  he  sought  to  smite  David  to 
the  wall  with  his  weapon.  That  night  David  fled  to 
his  house,  where  Saul  pursued  him ;  but  he  escaped 
by  a  stratagem  of  his  wife,  and  went  to  Ramah,  where 
he  met  the  prophet  Samuel,  who  accompanied  him  to 
Naioth,  in  Ramah.  Saul  sent  messengers  after  him 
there,  and  at  length  went  himself,  but  the  Spirit  of 
God  constrained  both  his  messengers  and  himself,  and 
protected  David. 


v. 


David  fled  from  Naioth,  and  came  and  said  before 
Jonathan,  "  What  have  I  done?  what  is  my  iniquity? 
and  what  is  my  sin  before  thy  father,  that  he  seeketh 
my  life?"  And  Jonathan  said  unto  him,  "God  for- 
bid ;  thou  shall  not  die :  behold,  my  father  will  do 
nothing,  either  great  or  small,  but  that  he  will  show  it 
me :  and  why  should  my  father  hide  this  thing  from 
me  ?  it  is  not  so."  And  David  sware,  moreover,  and 
said,  "  Thy  father  certainly  knoweth  that  I  have  found 
grace  in  thine  eyes ;  and  he  saith,  '  Let  not  Jonathan 
know  this,  lest  he  be  grieved :'  but  truly  as  the  Lord 
liveth,  and  as  thy  soul  liveth,  there  is  but  a  step  be- 
tween me  and  death."  Then  said  Jonathan  unto 
David,  "  Whatsoever  thy  soul  desireth,  I  will  even  do 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  147 

it  for  thee."  And  David  said  unto  Jonathan,  "Be- 
hold, to-morrow  is  the  new-moon,  and  I  should  not 
fail  to  sit  with  the  king  at  meat :  but  let  me  go,  that  I 
may  hide  myself  in  the  field  unto  the  third  day  at  even. 
If  thy  father  at  all  miss  me,  then  say,  'David  earnestly 
asked  leave  of  me,  that  he  might  run  to  Bethlehem, 
his  city :  for  there  is  a  yearly  sacrifice  there  for  all  the 
family.'  If  he  say  thus,  '  It  is  well,'  thy  servant  shall 
have  peace  :  but  if  he  be  very  wroth,  then  be  sure  that 
evil  is  determined  by  him.  Therefore  thou  shall  deal 
kindly  with  thy  servant ;  for  thou  hast  brought  thy  ser- 
vant into  a  covenant  of  the  Lord  with  thee :  notwith- 
standing, if  there  be  in  me  iniquity,  slay  me  thyself; 
for  why  shouldst  thou  bring  me  to  thy  father?"  And 
Jonathan  said,  "  Far  be  it  from  thee ;  for  if  I  knew 
certainly  that  evil  were  determined  by  my  father  to 
come  upon  thee,  then  would  not  I  tell  it  thee  ?"  Then 
said  David  to  Jonathan,  "Who  shall  tell  me?  or  what 
if  thy  father  answer  thee  roughly  ?" 

And  Jonathan  said  unto  David,  "  Come,  and  let  us 
go  out  into  the  field."  And  they  went  out  both  of 
them  into  the  field.  And  Jonathan  said  unto  David, 
"  O  Lord  God  of  Israel,  when  I  have  sounded  my 
father  to-morrow  any  time,  or  the  third  day,  and  be- 
hold, if  there  be  good  toward  David,  and  I  then  send 
not  unto  thee,  and  show  it.  thee,  the  Lord  do  so  and 
much  more  to  Jonathan  :  but  if  it  please  my  father  to 
do  thee  evil,  then  I  will  show  it  thee,  and  send  thee 
away,  that  thou  mayest  go  in  peace :  and  the  Lord  be 
with  thee,  as  he  hath  been  with  my  father.  And  thou 
shalt  not  only  while  yet  I  live  show  me  the  kindness 
of  the  Lord,  that  I  die  not,  but  also  thou  shalt  not  cut 
off  thy  kindness  from  my  house  for  ever  :  no,  not  when 


148  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-booK. 

the  Lord  hath  cut  off  the  enemies  of  David  every  one 
from  the  face  of  the  earth."  So  Jonathan  made  a  cov- 
enant with  the  house  of  David,  saying,  "  Let  the  Lord 
even  require  it  at  the  hand  of  David's  enemies."  And 
Jonathan  caused  David  to  swear  again,  because  he 
loved  him  :  for  he  loved  him  as  he  loved  his  own  soul. 
Then  Jonathan  said  to  David,  "  To-morrow  is  the 
new-moon  :  and  thou  shalt  be  missed,  because  thy  seat 
will  be  empty.  And  when  thou  hast  stayed  three  days, 
then  thou  shalt  go  down  quickly,  and  come  to  the  place 
where  thou  didst  hide  thyself  when  the  business  was  in 
hand,  and  shalt  remain  by  the  stone  Ezel.  And  I  will 
shoot  three  arrows  on  the  side  thereof,  as  though  I  shot 
at  a  mark.  And  behold,  I  will  send  a  lad,  saying, 
'  Go,  find  out  the  arrows.'  If  I  expressly  say  unto  the 
lad,  '  Behold,  the  arrows  are  on  this  side  of  thee,'  take 
them  ;  then  come  thou  :  for  there  is  peace  to  thee,  and 
no  hurt,  as  the  Lord  liveth.  But  if  I  say  thus  unto 
the  young  man,  '  Behold,  the  arrows  are  beyond  thee,' 
go  thy  way :  for  the  Lord  hath  sent  thee  away.  And 
as  touching  the  matter  which  thou  and  I  have  spoken 
of,  behold,  the  Lord  be  between  thee  and  me  for 
ever." 


VI. 


So  'David  hid  himself  in  the  field :  and  when  the 
new-moon  was  come,  the  king  sat  him  down  to  eat 
meat.  And  the  king  sat  upon  his  seat,  as  at  other 
times,  even  upon  a  seat  by  the  wall ;  and  Jonathan 
nrose,  and  Abner  sat  by  Saul's  side,  and  David's  place 
was  empty.  Nevertheless,  Saul  spake  not  anything 
that  day :  for  he  thought,  "  Something  hath  befallen 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  149 

him,  he  is  not  clean  ;  surely  lie  is  not  clean."  And  it 
came  to  pass  on  the  morrow,  which  was  the  second 
day  of  the  month,  that  David's  place  was  empty :  and 
Saul  said  unto  Jonathan  his  son,  "  Wherefore  cometh 
not  the  son  of  Jesse  to  meat,  neither  yesterday  nor  to- 
jay  ?"  And  Jonathan  answered  Saul,  "  David  ear- 
nestly asked  leave  of  me  to  go  to  Bethlehem  :  and  he 
said,  '  Let  me  go,  I  pray  thee ;  for  our  family  hath  a 
sacrifice  in  the  city  ;  and  my  brother  hath  commanded 
me  to  be  there  :  and  now  if  I  have  found  favor  in  thine 
eyes,  let  me  get  away,  I  pray  thee,  and  see  my  breth- 
ren.' Therefore  he  cometh  not  unto  the  king's  table." 
Then  Saul's  anger  was  kindled  against  Jonathan,  and 
he  said  unto  him,  "  Thou  son  of  the  perverse,  rebel- 
lious woman,  do  not  I  know  that  thou  hast  chosen  the 
son  of  Jesse  to  thine  own  confusion,  and  unto  the  con- 
fusion of  thy  mother's  nakedness?  For  as  long  as  the 
son  of  Jesse  liveth  upon  the  ground,  thou  shall  not  be 
established,  nor  thy  kingdom.  Wherefore  now  send 
and  fetch  him  unto  me,  for  he  shall  surely  die."  And 
Jonathan  answered  Saul  his  father,  and  said  unto  him, 
"  Wherefore  shall  he  be  slain?  what  hath  he  done?" 
And  Saul  cast  a  javelin  at  him  to  smite  him  :  whereby 
Jonathan  knew  that  it  was  determined  of  his  father  to 
slay  David.  So  Jonathan  arose  from  the  table  in  fierce 
anger,  and  did  eat  no  meat  the  second  day  of  the  month  : 
for  he  was  grieved  for  David,  because  his  father  had 
done  him  shame. 


VII. 

And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  morning,  that  Jonathan 
went  out  into   the   field   at  the   time   appointed   with 


150  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

David,  and  a  little  lad  with  him.  And  he  said  unto 
his  lad,  "  Run,  find  out  now  the  arrows  which  I  shoot." 
And  as  the  lad  ran,  he  shot  an  arrow  beyond  him. 
And  when  the  lad  was  come  to  the  place  of  the  arrow 
which  Jonathan  had  shot,  Jonathan  cried  after  the  lad, 
and  said,  "Is  not  the  arrow  beyond  thee?"  And 
Jonathan  cried  after  the  lad,  "  Make  speed,  haste,  stay 
not."  And  Jonathan's  lad  gathered  up  the  arrows, 
and  came  to  his  master.  But  the  lad  knew  not  any- 
thing, only  Jonathan  and  David  knew  the  matter.  And 
Jonathan  gave  his  artillery  unto  his  lad,  and  said  unto 
him,  "  Go,  carry  them  to  the  city."  And  as  soon  as 
the  lad  was  gone,  David  arose  out  of  a  place  toward 
the  south,  and  fell  on  his  face  to  the  ground,  and  bowed 
himself  three  times  :  and  they  kissed  one  another,  and 
wept  with  one  another,  until  David  exceeded.  And 
Jonathan  said  to  David,  "  Go  in  peace,  forasmuch  as 
we  have  sworn,  both  of  us,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord, 
saying,  '  The  Lord  be  between  me  and  thee,  and  be- 
tween my  seed  and  thy  seed,  for  ever.'  "  And  David 
arose  and  departed :  and  Jonathan  went  into  the  city. 


VIII. 

But  Saul,  bent  on  destroying  David  —  for  nothing 
could  appease  his  malice  or  disarm  his  envious  jealousy 
— pursued  him  still.  David  abode  in  the  wilderness, 
in  strongholds,  and  remained  in  a  mountain  in  the  wil- 
derness of  Ziph.  And  Saul  sought  him  every  day, 
but  God  delivered  him  not  into  his  hand.  And  Jona- 
than went  to  David  into  the  wood,  and  strengthened 
his  hand  in  God  ;  and  said  unto  him,  "  Fear  not,  for 
ihe  hand  of  my  father  sha1!  not  find  thee ;  thou  shall 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  151 

be  king  over  Israel,  and  I  shall  be  next  unto  thee,  and 
that  also  Saul  my  father  knoweth."  And  they  renewed 
their  covenant  before  the  Lord  :  and  David  abode  in 
the  wood,  and  Jonathan  went  to  his  house. 


IX. 

At  length  (after  David  had  generously  spared  his 
pursuer,  whom  he  surprised  while  he  was  asleep  within 
a  trench,  unarmed  and  helpless,  and  Saul,  touched 
with  this  noble  conduct,  had  acknowledged  his  sin  and 
repented  of  his  folly),  when  Jonathan  fell  in  battle, 
and  death  had  broken  the  tie  which  bound  these 
friends  so  indissolubly  together,  how  deeply  was  the 
heart  of  David  moved  !  "  O  Jonathan  !"  he  exclaimed, 
"  thou  wast  slain  in  thine  high  places  !  I  am  distressed 
for  thee,  my  brother  Jonathan  :  very  pleasant  hast  thou 
been  unto  me:  thy  love  to  me  was  wonderful, passing 
the  love  of  women  /"  Ay,  "passing  the  love  of  women." 
For  it  was  the  love  of  friendship,  pure,  disinterested, 
holy  ;  not  a  passion,  but  a  deep  and  abiding  principle, 
replete  with  sincerity  and  truth.  In  David's  breast, 
it  did  not  die  with  Jonathan's  death.  It  followed 
Jonathan's  seed. 

x. 

David  asked  :  "  Is  there  yet  any  that  is  left  of  the 
house  of  Saul,  that  I  may  do  him  kindness  for  Jona- 
than's sake  ?"  The  reply  was,  that  Jonathan  had  left 
a  son,  who  "  was  lame  on  his  feet,"  and  David  sent 
for  him  and  brought  him  to  his  palace  (for  he  was  then 
king  of  Israel).  When  the  poor  cripple,  whom  per- 


152  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

haps  the  world  had  neglected,  came  trembling  unto  his 
father's  friend,  and  fell  on  his  face  before  him,  and  did 
him  reverence,  "  Fear  not,"  said  the  king,  "  for  I  will 
surely  show  thee  kindness  for  Jonathan  thy  father's 
sake,  and  will  restore  thee  all  the  land  of  Saul ;  and 
thou  shalt  eat  bread  at  my  table  continually."  And 
he  accordingly  directed  that  Jonathan's  son  should  be 
put  in  possession  of  all  that  pertained  to  Saul  and  to 
all  his  house.  "  Thou,  therefore,"  said  he  to  Ziba, 
one  of  Saul's  and  Jonathan's  former  servants,  "  and 
thy  sons,  and  thy  servants,  shall  till  the  land  for  him, 
and  thou  shalt  bring  in  the  fruits,  that  thy  master's  son 
may  have  food  to  eat :  but  Mephibosheth,  thy  master's 
son,  shall  eat  bread  alway  at  my  table."  Now  Ziba 
had  fifteen  sons  and  twenty  servants.  Then  said  Ziba 
unto  the  king :  "  According  to  all  that  my  lord  the 
king  hath  commanded  his  servant,  so  shall  thy  servant 
do."  —  "As  for  Mephibosheth,"  said  the  king,  "he 
shall  eat  at  my  table,  as  one  of  the  king's  sons."  And 
Mephibosheth  had  a  young  son,  whose  name  was  Micha. 
And  all  that  dwelt  in  the  house  of  Ziba  were  servants 
unto  Mephibosheth.  So  Mephibosheth  dwelt  in  Jeru- 
salem ;  for  he  did  eat  continually  at  the  king's  table. 


XI. 

In  this  narrative  of  the  love  of  Jonathan  and  David, 
we  have  a  most  happy  and  impressive  illustration  of 
mutual  relief  as  the  result  of  a  covenant. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  153 


CHAPTER  IV. 
i. 

THE  man  who  will  sacrifice  his  ease,  his  substance, 
or  his  life,  to  serve  or  save  a  friend,  is  truly  actuated 
by  the  spirit  of  Friendship.  There  have  been  those 
who  have  offered  their  lives  for  their  friends.  There 
was  one,  also,  who,  to  aid  and  deliver  his  persecuted 
race,  abandoned  all  the  pleasures  and  endearments  of 
the  world,  and  willingly  endured  privation,  calamity, 
and  trouble,  through  motives  of  love  and  friendship 
such  as  few  men  have  felt  or  practised. 


ii. 

And  God  spake  all  these  words,  saying,  I  am  the 
LORD  thy  God,  which  have  brought  thee  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt,  out  of  the  house  of  bondage. 

Thou  shall  have  no  other  gods  before  me. 

Thou  shall  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven  image, 
or  any  likeness  of  anything  that  is  in  heaven  above, 
or  thai  is  in  ihe  earth  benealh,  or  that  is  in  the  water, 
under  the  earth.  Thou  shall  nol  bow  down  ihyself  lo 
them,  nor  serve  them  ;  for  I  the  LORD  thy  God  am  a 
jealous  God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon 
the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  generalion  of 
them  lhal  hate  me  ;  and  showing  mercy  unto  thousands 
of  them  thai  love  me  and  keep  my  commandmenls. 

Thou  shall  nol  lake  the  name  of  the  LORD  thy  God 


154  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

in  vain  :  for  the  LORD  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that 
taketh  his  name  in  vain. 

Remember  the  sabbath-day  to  keep  it  holy.  Six 
days  shall  thou  labor,  and  do  all  thy  work :  but  the 
seventh  day  is  the  sabbath  of  the  LORD  thy  God :  in 
it  thou  shall  not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  ihy  son,  noi 
thy  daughter,  thy  man-servant,  nor  thy  maid-servant, 
nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is  within  thy  gates  : 
for  in  six  days  the  LORD  made  heaven  and  earth,  the 
sea,  and  all  thai  in  ihem  is,  and  resled  the  seventh 
day :  wherefore  ihe  LORD  blessed  the  sabbath-day, 
and  hallowed  it. 

Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother ;  that  thy  days 
may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the  LORD  ihy  God 
giveth  ihee. 

Thou  shall  nol  kill. 

Thou  shall  nol  commil  adultery. 

Thou  shall  not  steal. 

Thou  shall  not  bear  false  witness  against  thy  neigh- 
bor. 

Thou  shall  nol  covel  thy  neighbor's  house,  thou 
shall  nol  covet  ihy  neighbor's  wife,  nor  his  man-ser- 
vant, nor  his  maid-servant,  nor  his  ox,  nor  his  ass,  nor 
anylhing  lhat  is  thy  neighbor's. 

in. 

Our  infinite  Creator,  who  is  the  Soul  of  all  true 
Friendship,  and  the  Source  of  all  good  ;  who  is  abun- 
dantly worthy  of  our  love  ;  and  who  may  rightfully 
command  our  obedience  —  is  the  only  proper  object  of 
our  worship.  HE  hath  said,  through  the  mouth  of  his 
servant :  "  If  thy  brother  be  waxen  poor,  and  falter 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  155 

in  decay  with  thee,  then  thou  shall  relieve  him  yea, 
though  he  be  a  stranger  or  a  sojourner,  that  he  may 
live  with  thee." 

HE  requires  us  to  sympathize  with  our  brethren  in 
distress,  and  to  relieve  them  in  their  time  of  need. 


IV. 

Bright  pages  of  history,  like  stars  beaming  out  in  the 
midst  of  the  dark  and  stormy  heavens,  have  reflected 
the  lustre  of  Friendship,  and  exhibited  its  beauty. 
Who  has  not  felt  a  thrill  of  unutterable  sublimity  when 
contemplating  the  heroic  friendship  of  Damon  and 
Pythias  —  the  melting  affection  of  Jonathan  and  Da- 
vid— the  noble,  self-sacrificing  love  of  the  great  law- 
giver of  the  Jews,  who  chose  rather  to  share  the 
wretchedness  of  his  despised  countrymen,  than  to 
enjoy  the  utmost  favor  of  their  powerful  oppressors? 
How  beautiful,  amid  the  havoc  of  war  and  the  bar- 
barous customs  of  the  ancient  world,  shines  forth  the 
inimitable  conduct  of  Tygranes,  a  prince  of  Armenia, 
who,  when  asked  by  his  conqueror,  Cyrus,  "  What 
ransom  do  you  offer  for  your  life  ?"  replied  :  "  My 
possessions."  "What  for  your  wife  ?"  "  My  life  !" 
was  the  prompt  reply.  Penetrated  by  the  magnanimity 
of  his  conduct,  Cyrus  released  him.  On  retiring  from 
the  presence  of  Cyrus,  Tygranes  inquired  of  his  wife 
her  opinion  of  the  king.  "I  did  not  see  him,"  was 
the  reply.  "Not  see  him !"  cried  the  astonished  prince. 
"  No,"  she  replied,  "  I  was  so  taken  up  with  gazing 
on  him  who  offered  his  life  for  my  ransom,  that  I  saw 
no  one  else." 

Friendship  is  of  every  clime  ;  it  blooms  in  every  soi' 


rt- 

156  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

of  earth  ;  it  sheds  its  sweets  amid  the  snows  of  Cau- 
casus, and  cheers  the  Greenlander  and  Esquimaux,  as 
they  wander  forth  among  their  bleak  hills  and  gaze 
upon  the  cliffs  of  their  ice-bound  shore  ;  it  flourishes 
amid  the  sand-hills  of  the  desert,  and  strengthens  un- 
der a  torrid  sun ;  its  beauties  are  alike  developed 
where  winter  first  puts  on  her  robes  of  snow,  and 
where  the  green  livery  of  summer  is  longest  worn  : 
gilding,  by  its  influence,  the  darkest  hours  of  human 
adversity ;  elevating  human  nature  in  the  scale  of 
being ;  giving  to  the  social  affections  their  noblest 
impulses  ;  and  alleviating,  though  it  may  not  be  able 
entirely  to  remove,  the  disquietudes  and  calamities  of 
life.  As  old  Memnon,  touched  by  the  genial  light  of 
the  morning,  sent  forth  spontaneous  music,  so  does  the 
human  heart,  under  the  influence  of  Friendship,  until 
the  soul  feels  the  concord,  and  yields  her  functions  to 
the  enchantment.  Its  appeal  is  the  voice  of  universal 
union  to  the  islands  of  every  sea  and  the  inhabitants 
of  every  land ;  and  as  it  sheds  its  rays,  rendered 
brighter  by  the  teachings  of  that  revealed  truth  which 
is  working  its  healing  miracles  in  the  earth,  it  will 
exhibit  new  fields  of  moral  beauty,  like  islands  of 
glory  in  the  sea  of  darkness,  sending  up  a  fragrance 
grateful  to  rejoicing  heaven  ;  and,  like  the  circlets  on 
a  summer's  lake  when  agitated  by  a  falling  shower,  it 
shall  extend  its  borders  and  enlarge  its  dimensions,  till 
it  is  lost  in  one  vast  circumference  of  light  and  life, 
that  shall  gird  the  earth  around,  and  grasp  in  its  ample 
embrace  the  universal  family  of  man.  This  principle, 
in  its  personal  and  most  extended  bearings,  we  should 
practise.  Men  of  all  languages,  of  all  religions,  of  the 
remotest  nations,  and  of  every  habit  and  opinion,  are, 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  157 

by  its  influence,  united  together  in  one  indissoluble 
bond  of  brotherly  affection.  The  wild  Arab  of  the 
desert,  the  haughty  Chinese,  the  rigid  Mussulman,  the 
pious  Christian,  the  polished  courtier,  and  even  the 
untutored  savage,  who  roams  his  primeval  forests  free 
as  his  own  mountain  eagle,  will,  through  it,  greet  each 
other  as  brothers,  and  do  justice  to  that  title  by  every 
endearing  expression  of  love  and  good-will.  In  a 
word,  it  makes  affectionate  companions  at  home,  and 
abroad  introduces  the  stranger  to  a  household  of 
brothers. 


CHAPTER  V. 
i. 

LET  us  not  forget  the  truths  we  have  been  thus  far 
taught.  Let  the  memory  of  them  be  precious  in  our 
sight. 

Do  unto  others  as  thou  wouldst  they  should  do  unto 
thee ;  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself;  regard  all  men  as 
brethren  :  the  children  of  the  Creator  are,  in  his  eyes, 
equal  —  from  the  monarch  on  his  throne,  to  the  beggar 
in  his  rags  —  and  Universal  Love  is  what  he  requires. 

The  selfishness  of  mankind  needs  correcting.  How 
many  noble  spirits  have  been  quenched  by  the  opera- 
tion of  the  world's  selfishness  ;  how  many  bold  aspira- 
tions checked ;  and  how  much  misanthropy  and  ruin 
produced ! 

To  cultivate  a  generous  spirit  of  kindness  —  to  wake 
up  the  sympathies  and  purge  the  heart  from  its  selfish- 
14 


158  TfT^    Oim-FELT.O'.VS'    TF XT-BOOK. 

ness  —  is  the  noblest  mission  in  which  man  can  engage, 
and  he  who  would  place  an  obstruction  in  the  way  of 
such  a  pursuit,  can  never  have  well  learned  the  lessons 
of  Friendship  and  Love.  He  who  is  bound  up  in  the 
iron  chain  of  Bigotry  —  who  is  fettered  by  the  influ- 
ence of  human  creeds  —  whose  head  is  filled  with  self- 
conceit —  has  a  heart  tame,  cold,  and  indifferent,  and 
will  neither  bind  up  the  wounds  of  the  stranger,  nor 
give  shelter  to  the  outcast,  unless  they  yield  them- 
selves to  his  dictation. 

Wherever  man  is  found,  in  whatever  situation  of 
life,  he  bears  his  Maker's  image  ;  he  is  immortal ;  and, 
however  poor,  or  even  degraded,  he  may  be,'  in  his 
soul  are  the  signs  of  human  equality.  If  thou  canst 
do  aught  to  promote  his  happiness,  then,  or  canst 
relieve  his  wants,  DO  IT  :  it  is  thy  duty.  If  there  be 
a  scheme  of  good,  designed  to  meliorate  his  condition, 
engage  in  it  with  all  thy  heart,  remembering  that  he 
for  whom  thou  art  laboring  is  thine  own  Father's  son. 
Pause  not  to  inquire  his  creed  or  his  faith,  his  title  or 
his  condition  ;  but  consider,  that,  with  all  his  errors  or 
imperfections,  he  is  thy  brother. 

Tf  men  would  all  act  thus,  how  soon  would  the  lost 
communion  with  heaven  be  restored,  and  the  reign  of 
Love,  Peace,  and  Joy,  be  perfected  on  earth ! 

n. 

Divine  Wisdom  teaches  us  to  love  Mercy  and 
Truth — to  write  them  on  the  tablets  of  our  hearts  —  so 
that  we  may  find  favor  and  good  understanding  in  the 
sight  of  God  and  man.  It  teaches  that  the  fear  of  the 
Ijord  is  to  hate  evil ;  that  pride,  and  arrogance,  und  the 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  159 

evil  way,  and  the  froward  mouth,  are  to  be  avoided. 
They  that  keep  the  ways  of  Divine  Wisdom  shall  be 
blessed.  They  that  will  hear  her  instruction,  and  are 
wise  —  who  watch  daily  at  her  gates,  awaiting  her  ap- 
proach—  shall  find  her,  and  live,  and  obtain  favor  of 
the  Lord  :  but  they  that  sin  against  -her,  by  refusing  to 
seek  her,  wrong  their  own  souls ;  and,  in  hating  her, 
shall  perish. 

in. 

Love  your  enemies  ;  bless  them  that  curse  you  ;  do 
good  to  them  that  hate  you ;  and  pray  for  them  which 
despitefully  use  you  and  persecute  you :  that  ye  may 
be  the  children  of  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven  ;  for 
he  maketh  his  sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and  on  the  good, 
and  sendeth  the  rain  on  the  just  and  on  the  unjust.  For 
if  you  love  them  which  love  you,  what  reward  have 
ye?  Do  not  even  the  publicans  the  same?  And  if 
ye  salute  your  brethren  only,  what  do  ye  more  than 
others?  Do  not  even  the  publicans  so? 

IV. 

Permit  not  prejudice  to  control  thee  in  thy  dealings 
with  thy  fellow. 

Blemish  not  thy  good  deeds  by  using  uncomfortable 
words  when  thou  helpest  thy  brother.  Shall  not  the 
dew  assuage  the  heat?  So  is  a  word  better  than  a 
gift.  Lo  !  is  not  a  word  better  than  a  gift?  but  both 
are  with  a  gracious  man.  A  fool  will  upbraid  churl- 
ishly, and  a  gift  of  the  envious  consumeth  the  eyes 
Learn  before  thou  speak :  before  judgment,  examine  thy 
self,  and  in  the  day  of  visitation,  thou  shah  find  mercy. 


160  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

When  thou  hast  enough,  remember  the  hungry ; 
and  think  upon  poverty  and  need. 

Rehearse  not  unto  another  that  which  is  told  unto 
thee,  and  thou  shall  fare  never  the  worse.  Whether 
it  be  to  friend  or  foe,  talk  not  of  other  men's  lives  ; 
and  if  thou  canst  without  offence,  reveal  them  not. 
If  thou  hast  heard  a  word,  let  it  die  with  thee;  and  be 
bold  —  it  will  not  burst  thee. 

Admonish  a  friend ;  it  may  be  he  hath  not  done  it ; 
and  if  he  have  done  it,  that  he  do  it  no  more.  Ad- 
monish thy  friend  ;  it  may  be  he  hath  not  said  it ;  and 
if  he  have,  that  he  speak  it  not  again.  Admonish  a 
friend ;  for  many  times  it  is  a  slander ;  and  believe 
not  every  tale.  There  is  one  that  slippeth  in  his 
speech,  but  not  from  his  heart ;  and  who  is  he  that 
hath  not  offended  with  his  tongue  ?  Admonish  thy 
neighbor  before  thou  threaten  him  ;  and  not  being 
angry,  give  place  to  the  law  of  the  Most  High. 

v. 

A  certain  man  went  down  from  Jerusalem  to  Jeri- 
cho, and  fell  among  thieves,  which  stripped  him  of  his 
raiment,  and  wounded  him  ;  and  departed,  leaving  him 
half  dead.  And  by  chance  there  came  down  a  certain 
priest  that  way;  and  when  he  saw  him,  he  passed  by 
on  the  other  side.  And  likewise  a  Levite,  when  he 
was  at  the  place,  came  and  looked  on  him,  and  passed 
by  on  the  other  side.  But  a  certain  Samaritan  [of  a 
race  which  the  priest  and  Levite  despised],  as  he 
journeyed,  came  where  he  was  ;  and  when  he  saw 
him,  he  had  compassion  on  him,  and  went  to  him,  and 
bound  up  his  wounds,  pouring  in  oil  and  wine,  and 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  161 

set  him  on  his  own  heast,  and  brought  him  to  an  inn, 
and  took  care  of  him.  And  on  the  morrow,  when  he 
departed,  he  took  out  twopence,  and  gave  them  to  the 
host,  and  said  unto  him,  "  Take  care  of  himjj  and 
whatsoever  thou  spendest  more,  when  I  come  again,  I 
will  repay  thee." 

Which  now  of  these  three  was  neighbor  unto  hirn 
that  fell  among  thieves  ? 


VI. 


Justice,  temperance,  and  charity,  are  the  duties  of 
all  men.  We  should  be  just  in  our  dealings  with  our 
brethren  and  with  the  world.  We  should  be  industri- 
ous and  honest.  We  should  be  kind  in  our  demeanor 
to  all  with  whom  we  have  intercourse  ;  we  should  com- 
passionate sorrow  ;  we  should  bind  up  the  broken  heart, 
comfort  the  disconsolate,  and  dry  the  tears  of  the  be- 
reaved. 

We  should  be  temperate.  Wine  is  a  mocker,  strong 
drink  is  raging ;  and  whoever  is  deceived  thereby  is 
not  wise.  The  drunkard  shall  suffer  many  grievous 
evils,  and  come  to  poverty  and  rags. 

We  should  be  charitable,  by  doing  with  promptness 
and  alacrity  all  the  good  in  our  power  to  our  fellow- 
rnen.  We  should  teach  charity  to  others,  by  both  pre- 
cept and  example.  Charity  suffereth  long,  and  is 
kind  ;  charity  envieth  not ;  charity  vaunteth  not  itself 
is  not  puffed  up,  doth  not  behave  itself  unseemly,  seek 
eth  not  her  own,  is  not  easily  provoked,  thinketh  no 
evil  ;  rejoiceth  not  in  iniquity,  but  rejoiceth  in  the 
truth ;  beareth  all  things,  believeth  all  things,  hopeth 
all  things,  endureth  all  things.  Charity  never  faileth. 
14*  L 


162  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


CHAPTER  VI. 
i. 

THE  rnild  and  heavenly  radiance  of  TRUTH  will 
light  man's  steps,  through  the  benighted  paths  of  error, 
to  the  lustre  of  unclouded  day. 

Truth  is  that  grand  virtue  which  deals  plainly  and 
honestly  in  all  actions,  without  disguise,  without  false- 
hood, and  without  hypocrisy ;  it  comprehends  all  that 
is  wise  and  good  ;  it  is  the  vital  spirit  of  every  commu- 
nity which  is  well  founded  among  men.  Where  the 
name  of  God  is  sanctified,  where  his  ordinances  are 
duly  attended,  where  good  laws  are  enacted  against 
immorality,  and  those  laws  diligently  executed  —  in 
short,  where  that  celebrated  rule  is  the  standard  of 
dealing,  that  every  man  do  to  others  as  he  would  they 
should  do  to  him  —  these  people  may  be  truly  said  to 
execute  judgment  and  seek  after  the  truth.  What 
eulogiums  does  not  the  world  give,  and  give  deserv- 
edly, to  the  lovers  of  truth  ?  The  man  that  does  good, 
and  speaks  truth,  resembles  the  Deity,  whose  essential 
properties  are  goodness  and  truth  ;  when  a  man  has 
acquired  a  reputation  for  veracity,  his  word  is  taken 
implicitly  —  it  has  all  the  authority  of  an  oath  —  and 
all  receive  what  he  says  with  a  sort  of  religious  re- 
spect. No  man  is  greater  in  truth  than  he  is  in  God's 
esteem. 

Truth  presents  us  with  a  rule  to  ascertain  what  Vir- 
tue is,  and  guides  us  into  its  personal  possession. 
Virtue  is  the  voluntary  homage  we  pay  to  Truth, 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  163 

which  thus  becomes  the  basis  of  Virtue.  Truth  is 
essentially  the  only  foundation  of  confidence,  and  con- 
fidence is  the  only  bond  of  association  among  the  wise, 
the  good,  and  the  intelligent.  To  it  we  are  indebted 
for  the  whole  sum  of  happiness  enjoyed  in  time. 

Truth  mingles  its  unclouded  perceptions  of  duty 
with  the  generous  grasp  of  Friendship  and  the  sympa- 
thizing voice  of  Love.  It  is  the  great  law  of  then 
being  and  mainspring  of  their  action.  Its  robe  is  the 
spotless  vestment  of  sincerity,  snow-white  and  lustrous  , 
it  is  an  attribute  of  Deity,  and  has  been  made  attaina- 
ble to  man,  that  his  race  might  be  blessed  and  im- 
proved. Without  it,  society  is  like  a  world  without  a 
sun.  There  are  the  towering  mountains,  the  broom-clad 
vale,  the  gushing  fountain,  the  broad  expanse  of  ocean 
lifting  its  foam-crested  billows  to  the  embraces  of  the 
skies,  and  laving  with  its  waters  the  golden  sands  of  a 
hundred  isles  :  but  over  all  rests  the  deformity  of  dark- 
ness. The  mountain  has  no  greenness ;  the  lovely 
flower  and  the  enamelled  vale  wear  the  hue  of  death  ; 
the  waters  sparkle  not,  and  the  golden  sands  on  their 
island-gems  send  forth  no  lines  of  reflected  light ! 
Truth  rises  like  the  day-god  upon  the  scene,  and  every 
object  is  flooded  with  beauty  and  loveliness ;  and  a 
blessed  influence  is  breathed  through  every  portion  of 
society.  These  three  duties  —  Friendship,  Love,  and 
Truth  —  indissolubly  joined  in  the  teachings  of  our 
lessons,  furnish  the  broad  foundation  upon  which  is 
erected  those  extensive  plans  of  relief  which  distinguish 
associations  formed  for  the  purpose  of  uniting  men  in 
the  bonds  of  brotherhood. 

How  vivid  the  contrast  exhibited  between  the  abodes 
of  Error  and  those  delightful  habitations  where  Truth 


164  THE  ODD-BELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

reigns  in  its  unclouded  beauty,  and  every  tongue  and 
every  heart  sweetly  think  and  speak  under  the  influ- 
ence of  its  teachings !  United  in  bonds  of  kindred 
feelings,  Truth  is,  by  every  member  of  this  vast  and 
happy  Brotherhood,  loved,  studied,  embraced,  and 
spoken,  for  ever ;  and  Confidence  springs  up  in  the 
soul,  and  claims  its  pure  mansion  as  an  eternal  resi- 
dence. Friendship,  twin-sister  of  Confidence,  joins 
hand  in  hand  with  deathless  grasp  ;  while  Love,  with 
links  of  holy  Brotherhood,  binds  heart  to  heart  in  puri- 
fied communion.  From  heaven  God  looks  down  with 
complacency,  and  sheds  over  all  in  rich  profusion  the 
enduring  blessings  of  his  favor. 


II. 


A  Fraternity  whose  broad  foundation  is  Universal 
Brotherhood  ;  which  opens  its  doors  of  relief  and  sym- 
pathy to  all ;  which  teaches  the  sacred  and  sublime 
sentiments  of  Friendship  and  Love,  and  clothes  its 
adherents  with  the  dignity  of  Truth  —  will  be  owned 
of  Heaven,  and  shall  confer  incalculable  benefits  on 
mankind. 

Let  us.  then,  BE  TRUE  to  our  professions.  Let  our 
walk  and  conversation  in  life  be  such  that  the  world 
shall  be  compelled  to  acknowledge  the  sublime  theory 
we  teach.  Thus  shall  we  live  in  the  enjoyment  of  the 
blessed  consciousness  of  having  performed  our  duty  to 
our  Maker  and  our  kind  ;  and  when  the  hour  comes 
for  us  to  leave  this  earth  and  join  the  vast  Brotherhood 
beyond  it,  we  shall  be  able  to  look  back  upon  a  life 
well  spent,  and  prepared  to  meet  Him  who  has  laughi 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  165 

us  that  love  for  our  brethren  here  is  a  duty  incumbent 
on  ike  children  of  one  heavenly  Father. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


PREJUDICE  imposes  upon  the  minds  of  men  restraints 
which  lead  to  unnecessary  ill  feeling,  and  prevent  that 
union  of  hearts  which  is  essential  to  true  happiness. 

Hospitality  to  the  stranger  is  a  duty  enjoined  by 
God,  who  teaches  us  that,  as  he  is  the  Father  of  al. 
men,  we  are  not  to  pause  to  inquire  our  brother's  faith, 
or  creed,  or  nation,  before  we  render  him  the  sympathy 
or  aid  he  may  need. 

God's  commandments,  as  delivered  by  him  to  Mo- 
ses, embrace  every  duty  required  of  us  by  our  Maker. 
He  who  obeys  these,  may  claim  to  be  a  true  MAN. 


n. 

Virtue  is  the  rule  by  which  our  lives  should  be  gov 
erned.  "  The  good  alone  are  great."  Virtue  can 
never  die.  It  will  live  and  flourish  throughout  the 
eternal  ages  of  God.  When  green  wreaths  shall  have 
faded,  and  glorious  monuments  of  human  skill  have 
perished  —  when  the  weapons  of  victorious  battle  shall 
have  been  broken,  and  the  sound  of  the  poet's  lyre 
have  died  away  for  ever — VIRTUE  will  stand,  high 
above  all  earthly  power  and  fame,  the  essence  of  all 


166  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

that  is  good,  and  great,  and  glorious.  "  Virtue  alone 
is  happiness  below."  It  gives  joy  which  none  jut  lu 
who  practises  it  can  understand.  Its  influence  is  felt 
and  acknowledged  even  by  the  bad.  It  will  be  the 
crown  of  age,  the  honor  of  manhood,  the  guardian  of 
youth  ;  it  will  be  our  guide  in  prosperity,  and  scJace 
in  affliction.  It  will  give  us  here  on  earth  the  truest 
happiness,  and  prepare  us  for  the  future  state  of  being 
to  which  we  are  hastening. 


in. 


The  patriarchs  of  old,  who  dwelt  in  tents  and  passed 
their  lives  in  the  inculcation  of  the  social  virtues,  were 
a  happy  because  they  were  a  good  people.  The  world 
would  be  better  and  happier  were  it  to  practise  now 
the  simplicity  and  purity  of  these  simple-minded  and 
truly-honest  men.  They  were  united  as  one  family : 
no  jealousy,  discord,  or  envy,  interfered  among  them 
to  make  them  discostented  or  miserable.  Pride  — 
that  bane  of  humanity — had  no  existence  among  them. 
Hospitable,  generous,  loving,  and  faithful,  their  exam- 
ple is  one  which  we  may  and  ought  earnestly  to  follow. 

He  who  succors  the  distressed  ;  who  gives  food  and 
rest  to  the  hungry  and  weary ;  who  comforts  the  bro- 
ken-hearted, and  raises  the  fallen,  shall  enjoy  a  pleas- 
ure far  more  desirable  than  wealth,  or  power,  or  fame. 

If  our  brother  offend  us,  let  us  remember  that  he  is 
weak  and  erring,  like  ourselves,  and  that  it  is  far  better 
to  treat  him  kindly,  and  to  tell  him  of  his  fault  in  the 
spirit  of  friendship,  than  to  rise  up  against  him  in  the 
spirit  of  hatred,  and  attempt  to  crush  instead  of  lo 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  167 

reform  him.     If  he  repent,  let  us  forgive  him.     "  To 
err,  is  human  ;  to  forgive,  Divine." 

He  who  will  not  act  thus  is  no  true  Odd-Fellow. 
He  may  dwell  among  us ;  he  may  be  elevated  to  the 
highest  rank  ;  he  may  be  regarded  as  rich,  or  wise,  or 
talented  :  but  none  of  these  can  make  him  an  Odd- 
Fellow  in  the  true  meaning  of  the  title.  If  he  be,  as  a 
man,  implacable  and  malicious,  he  can  not  be  a  friend 
or  a  brother. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


"  ALL  things  whatsoever  ye  would  that  men  should 
do  unto  you,  do  ye  even  so  unto  them." 

Shall  a  man,  a  unit  in  the  universal  kingdom  of 
God,  stand  aloof  from  his  fellow-unit  because  he  may 
not  be  of  the  same  faith  or  nation  as  himself?  Nay ! 
The  question  must  not  be,  "Is  he  a  Christian,  or  is 
he  a  Jew,  or  a  Mohammedan  ?  is  he  a  European,  or 
an  American,  an  Asiatic  or  African?"  but,  "Is  he  a 

MAN  AND  A  BROTHER?" 

Human  prejudice  and  intolerance  are  and  have  ever 
been  the  causes  of  more  misery  in  the  world  than  all 
other  evils  combined.  Be  it  our  duty  to  destroy  their 
power,  by  asserting  and  maintaining  the  high  birthright 
of  humanity  —  by  regarding  and  treating  our  brother 
as  our  equal,  the  child  of  our  own  benevolent  Father, 
created  in  like  form  and  bearing  thQ  same  image  as 
ourselves. 


168  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


n. 

Let  us  "be  just,  and  fear  not."  Let  us  be  honest. 
Let  us  never  hesitate  to  avow  oui  principles.  Let  not 
fear  of  man  induce  us  to  falsehood.  Conscience  should 
be  permitted  always  to  govern  us ;  and  as  it  directs,  so 
should  we  ever  act. 

The  evils  that  afflict  our  brother  should  be  regarded 
as  in  a  measure  our  own.  If  we  injure  him.  we  shall 
also  injure  ourselves.  Whatever  directly  affects  a 
member  of  the  body,  must  remotely  affect  the  entire 
structure.  Man's  misfortunes  are  our  misfortunes,  and 
his  sufferings  are  ours. 


in. 

Mankind  are  divided  into  numerous  sects  and  par- 
ties, each  of  which  holds  opinions  peculiar  to  itself; 
and,  however  absurd,  or  even  ridiculous,  each  may 
seem  to  the  other,  its  adherents  are  mostly  sincere  and 
firm  in  their  belief.  The  Christian's  faith  in  Christ  is 
not  more  earnest  and  positive  than  the  Jew's  in  his 
expected  Messiah,  the  Mohammedan's  in  his  prophet, 
or  that  of  the  Chinese  in  the  object  he  worships  as  a 
representation  of  the  Deity.  All  these,  though  holding 
opinions  the  very  antipodes  of  each  other,  are  satisfied 
that  they'are  correct,  and  can  produce  arguments  in 
support  of  their  theory,  which,  in  the  estimation  of 
those  who  practise  it,  are  clear  and  conclusive. 

Christendom  is  itself  divided  into  scores  of  sects 
and  parties,  many  of  which,  though  they  profess  to 
on  the  most  important  principles  of  Christianity. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  169 

«ie  so  heartily  opposed  to  each  other,  that  they  are  in 
constant  controversy  ;  and  to  the  disgrace  of  that  pure 
and  peaceable  spirit  of  love  by  which  they  claim  to  be 
governed,  they  too  often  conduct  their  disputes  with  a 
bitterness  and  rancor  that  would  much  better  become 
the  men  of  "  the  world"  than  the  servants  of  One  whose 
gentleness  and  forbearance  were  among  the  most  prom- 
inent characteristics  of  his  eventful  career  on  earth  : 
for  he  not  only  exhibited  in  his  own  person  the  utmost 
forbearance  toward  those  who  were  opposed  to  him, 
but  gave  the  most  positive  directions  to  his  followers 
to  love  even  their  enemies,  and  to  extend  to  all  men 
the  rights  which  they  claimed  for  themselves. 

As  no  two  countenances  among  the  thousand  mil- 
lions of  the  race  of  man  now  on  earth  are  alike,  so 
perhaps  no  two  in  this  vast  multitude  of  minds  think 
alike.  Difference  of  opinion,  on  religious  subjects  es- 
pecially, has  always  existed,  and  will  be  likely  to  con- 
tinue to  divide  the  hearts  of  men  until  the  reign  of  the 
sublime  principle  of  Universal  Brotherhood  shall  have 
been  established  on  earth.  Should  we  despise  our 
brother  for  this  "  difference"  ?  Nay  !  for  he  has  the 
same  right  as  ourselves  to  the  enjoyment  of  his  pecu- 
liar opinion,  and  may  maintain  it  in  opposition  to  the 
opinions  of  the  whole  world. 


IV. 


"  GOD  is  no  respecter  of  persons."  St.  Peter  said 
to  Cornelius  and  others  who  had  assembled  to  hear 
him  :  "  Ye  know  how  that  it  is  an  unlawful  thing  for  a 

man  that  is  a  Jew  to  keep  company,  or  come  unto  one 
Ifl 


170  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

of  another  nation ;  but  God  hath  showed  me  that  1 
should  not  call  any  man  common  or  unclean."  God 
had  exhibited  to  Peter,  in  a  vision,  that  what  HE  con- 
sidered as  worthy  of  regard,  man  should  not  shun  or 
despise.  He  had  taught  him,  in  a  manner  which,  as  a 
Jew,  he  could  not  misapprehend,  the  sacred  principle 
of  TOLERATION. 


When  the  golden  rule  shall  have  exerted  its  power, 
and  obtained  its  dominion  over  the  world,  men  of  all 
creeds  and  nations  shall  sit  together  in  love,  and  the 
light  of  knowledge  and  of  pleasure  shall  shine  around 
and  about  them.  Then  the  descendants  of  Abraham, 
and  the  followers  of  the  Crescent,  and  the  worshippers 
of  Christ,  shall  commingle  in  one  happy  family,  know- 
ing no  diversity  of  faith  or  creed.  Then  a  calm  repose 
shall  have  come  upon  the  elements  of  strife  :  "  no  sigh 
nor  murmur  the  wide  world  shall  hear,"  and  the  tears 
of  sorrow  shall  be  changed  to  those  of  joy.  Then  shall 
man  hail  his  brother  with  fraternal  greetings  :  then 
shall  Falsehood  be  driven  from  the  earth,  and  the  race 
of  Adam  form  a  universal  band  of  Brotherhood:  then 
shall  one  law  —  and  that  the  law  of  LOVE  —  bind  the 
nations  by  a  golden  chain  which  no  power  of  darkness 
can  ever  break  asunder. 


VI. 


Let  us  exert  our  utmost  endeavors  to  hasten  mis 
•nost  desirable  period.     Let  us  conquer  the  world  to 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS    TEXT-BOOK.  171 

ita,  m\ri  peace,  by  compelling  it  to  aid  us  to  establish 
the  glorious  reign  of  the  GOLDEN  POWER. 

The  globe  is  the  field  of  our  labor.  We  should  not 
pause  in  our  efforts  until  the  whole  world  shall  be 
made  happy.  We  should  carry  our  Benevolence  and 
Friendship  into  every  corner  of  the  wide  earth,  and 
into  the  remotest  islands  of  the  sea. 


CHAPTER  IX. 
I. 

WE  live  in  a  world  of  change,  of  sorrow,  and  of 
pain  :  the  emblems  of  decay  and  death  are  thick  around 
us ;  the  stout  arm  of  roseate  health  falls  powerless  be 
fore  the  ravages  of  disease.  The  strong  and  the  mighty, 
who  to-day  "  laugh  at  the  shaking  of  a  spear,"  and  defy 
the  tempest  and  the  storm,  may  to-morrow  be  as  help- 
less as  the  puny  infant  on  its  mother's  breast.  He 
who  stands  forth,  nerved  to  toil,  with  the  bloom  on  his 
cheek,  vigorous  as  the  oak  of  Bashan,  may  soon  "  fade 
as  a  leaf."  We  are  subject  to  sickness,  to  misfortune, 
and  to  death. 

But  we  must  struggle  on,  though  beset  with  danger, 
toil,  and  strife,  through  the  wilderness  of  this  world, 
to  our  DESTINY.  Let  us  therefore  be  stout  of  heart, 
and  determine,  through  faith  and  energy,  to  overcome 
the  obstacles  that  lie  in  our  path.  Let  not  fear  or  dis- 
couragement cause  us  to  turn  back,  after  we  shall  have 
once  entered  upon  our  journey.  Let  us  take  Honestv 


172  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

for  our  guide :  however  rough  or  uncouth  he  may 
seem,  or  whatever  abuse  may  be  heaped  upon  him  by 
those  who  love  him  not,  if  we  cling  to  him  and  follow 
him,  he  will  assuredly  bring  us  at  last  to  a  peacefu. 
and  pleasant  abode. 

IT. 

Life's  journey  is  indeed  eventful.  It  is  full  of  diffi- 
culties. We  must  beware  how  we  proceed  in  it. 
We  must  take  the  true  path,  as  pointed  out  by  our 
guide.  Straight  is  the  gate,  and  narrow  the  way, 
that  leadeth  to  life  :  alas !  there  be  comparatively 
few  that  go  that  way  ! — but  along  the  broad  path  that 
leadeth  to  destruction,  what  multitudes  rush  !  Yet, 
throughout  and  at  the  end  of  the  one  are  peace,  and 
joy,  and  pleasure ;  while  in  the  other,  beautiful  though 
it  may  seem  to  the  eye,  are  turmoil,  and  sorrow,  and 
pain.  Death  in  its  most  frightful  shapes  —  not  physi- 
cal, but  moral  death  —  lurks  constantly  by  the  wayside  ; 
and  the  fiends  of  darkness  skulk  at  every  turn,  to  lead 
and  drag  their  victim  to  ruin  and  despair.  Brother ! 
take  the  narrow  path  ;  it  will  lead  thce  to  bliss  :  pursue 
not  the  broad  road,  enticing  though  it  be ;  it  will  lead 
thee  to  perdition.  Follow  thou  thine  honest  guide, 
who  will  shun  the  siren  way  as  he  would  the  pestifer- 
ous breath  of  the  fiends  of  hell ! 


m. 

The  road  through  which  thou  art  journeying  may 
be  a  rough  one.  Difficulties  may  crowd  around  thee 
to  impede  thy  progress.  The  path  may  be  filled  witb 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS    TEXT-BOOK.  17.3 

obstacles  that  would  intimidate  a  weak  spirit.  Indeed, 
at  times,  it  may  be  a  cheerless  and  dreary  way.  It 
may  be,  even,  that  in  following  it,  poverty  and  want 
shall  beset  thee :  but  keep  up  thy  spirit;  look  not  at 
present  ease,  which  is  but  for  a  moment,  but  rather  at 
future  rest,  which  shall  be  everlasting.  Turn  not  to 
the  right  hand  nor  to  the  left ;  make  no  false  step  in 
thy  career ;  avoid  the  darkness  of  error :  be  thou  a 
TRUE  MAN.  and  act  as  such. 


IV. 

Brother !  if  thy  heart  be  stout  and  thy  faith  bold, 
thou  shall  make  thy  way  to  the  glorious  goal  thou  seek- 
est.  Yet,  the  farther  thou  proceedest  on  thy  journey, 
the  more  the  energies  of  thine  enemies  will  be  put 
forth  to  entice  thee  to  thy  ruin.  The  pleasures  of  the 
world,  in  the  forms  of  Mirth  and  Revelry,  of  Wine  and 
Woman,  of  Pride  and  Ambition,  of  Wealth  and  Power, 
of  Worldly  Fame  and  Glory,  will  be  presented  before 
thee  in  their  most  tempting  blandishments.  Oh,  heed 
them  not!  they  will  afford  thee  an  uncertain  and  brief 
pleasure,  and  forsake  thee  in  thine  hour  of  greatest 
need.  They  will  leave  thee  when  thou  shall  most 
require  consolation,  and  abandon  thee  to  a  repentance 
that  shall  be  too  late  to  serve  thee,  and  a  despair  that 
shall  be  full  of  horror ! 

Thy  time,  indeed,  is  too  .brief  to  permit  of  thy  de- 
laying to  dally  with  the  pleasures  that  surround  and 
entice  thee.  Behold  how  soon  the  years  are  gone ! 
behold  how  rapidly  thou  art  travelling !  The  light  of 
life  with  thee  is  already  waning  —  soon  thou  must  ler- 
minate  thy  journey. 
15* 


174  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


v. 

Brother  !  cheer  thee  !  Thou  hast  done  well ;  thou 
art  far  on  thy  toilsome  way.  The  impediments  and 
the  incitements  thou  hast  overcome  are  in  the  distance  ; 
thank  Heaven  !  thou  hast  pressed  nobly  through  them. 
But,  alas  !  how  many,  ere  they  come  thus  far,  sink 
under  the  difficulties,  or  embrace  the  sirens  that  crowd 
thick  about  them  !  Thou  mayst  indeed  "  thank  God 
and  take  courage."  Thou  hast  learned  and  attained 
much  through  perseverance  and  firmness.  Thy  prog- 
ress now  shall  be  more  calm  :  thy  foes  shall  abandon 
thine  as  a  hopeless  case.  Thou  hast  passed  the  criti- 
cal point,  and  shall  henceforth  proceed  more  safely. 
So  is  it  with  all  who  commence  this  journey  betimes ; 
who  set  out  early  for  the  goal  of  Virtue  and  of  true 
Happiness  :  the  longer  they  delay,  the  greater  the  dan- 
ger I  at  they  shall  perish  ere  they  shall  attain  to  the 
point  to  which  thou  hast  arrived.  Thou  «nayst  not 
know  all  that  is  yet  before  thee.  Thou  shalt  feel 
nevertheless,  in  the  midst  of  thy  darkness,  that  thy 
Father  will  not  forsake  thee.  And  though  a  storm 
more  fearful  than  any  thou  hast  yet  encountered  —  that 
of  physical  death  —  shall  soon  burst  upon  thee,  the 
hand  of  God  Almighty,  which  has  sustained  thee  thus 
far,  will  protect  thee  amid  that  storm,  and  thou  shalt 
come  up  through  it  with  joy  and  gladness  to  the  land 
of  eternal  delight. 

In  that  glorious  Rest,  thou  shalt  behold  the  innu- 
merable hosts  who  have  travelled  this  path  before  thee. 
Thou  shalt  join  "  the  Patriarchs  of  the  infant  world," 
and  mingle  thy  voice  with  theirs  in  the  music  of  the 
angels.  Thou  shalt  dwell  in  the  presence  of  the  Most 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS    TEXT-BOOK.  175 

High,  whose  smile  is  heaven.  Throughout  the  eter- 
nal ages  of  Jehovah  thou  shalt  be  the  associate  of 
angels  and  just  men  made  perfect,  in  a  land  where,  far 
more  than  in  this,  Faith  and  Truth  are  lovely  and 
divine. 

VI. 

Whoever  travels  the  road  that  we  have  thus  de- 
scribed, must  expect  to  be  ill  treated  by  the  world. 
The  wicked  and  perverse  are  ever  ready  to  sneer  at 
and  discourage  the  good  and  the  true.  Yet  we  must 
endure  this  contumely  with  patience  ;  we  should  rather 
pity  than  despise  the  benighted  beings  who  treat  with 
scorn  the  dignity  of  virtue.  Are  they  not  objects  of 
pity  ?  They  are  pursuing  the  false  and  flattering 
charm  of  earthly  pleasure,  which,  when  they  attempt 
to  grasp  it,  vanishes  from  their  presence.  Frail  mor- 
tals that  they  are,  knowing  not  what  a  day  or  an 
hour  may  bring  forth,  encompassed  with  peril  on  every 
side,  with  the  seeds  of  disease  implanted  in  their  na- 
ture, and  the  very  air  they  breathe  impregnated  with 
death  —  fading  as  a  leaf,  and  passing  as  the  shadow 
that  fleeth  away — let  us  force  them  from  the  frightful 
precipice  on  which  they  are  standing,  and,  by  the 
power  of  friendship  and  love,,  compel  them  to  fly  from 
their  impending  danger,  ere  it  be  too  late  for  ever. 

VII. 

Brother !  let  the  character  and  conduct  of  the  Pa- 
triarchs of  old,  as  exhibited  in  the  Bible,  be  thy  study, 
and,  in  all  their  good  deeds,  be  thou  their  imitator. 
They  were,  amid  the  idolatry  and  temptation  whicb 


176  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

surrounded  them,  sincere  worshippers  of  the  God! 
whom  thou  shouldst  also  adore.  Amid  the  base  cor- 
ruptions of  the  world,  that  beset  them  on  every  hand, 
they  were  ever  true  and  faithful  to  him  :  so  shouldst 
thou  be.  They  were  devoted  to  all  that  was  worthy 
of  frail  man's  consideration  :  so  oughtest  thou  to  be. 
They  lived  not  alone  for  themselves,  but  for  their  age 
and  for  their  race  in  all  future  time  :  so  shouldst  thon 
live.  The  possession  of  virtue  such  as  theirs  is  far 
preferable  to  all  the  power  or  glory  that  this  world 
might  bestow.  It  will  afford  thee  higher  and  truer 
pleasure  than  could  be  derived  from  the  possession  of 
the  wealth  and  the  honor  that  all  the  money  or  earthly 
fame  of  a  thousand  worlds  like  this  could  heap  upon 
thee.  Follow,  then,  their  example,  and,  like  them, 
be  wise,  and  good,  and  happy. 


VIII. 

Trust 'God  with  the  most  unfaltering  confidence. 
Thou  mayst  do  so  unhesitatingly :  the  patriarchs  trust- 
ed him,  and  were  never  once  deceived.  Brother,  let 
thy  Faith  be  firm  and  steadfast,  and  no  good  thing 
will  thy  Father  withhold  from  thee.  Thou  shalt  not 
ask  in  vain  :  He  will  hear  and  answer  thee  when  thou 
entreatest  his  aid  and  presence.  Do  thou  sacrifice 
thine  own  will  on  the  altar  of  truth  and  confidence, 
and  in  the  spirit  of  Faith  approach  thy  Maker,  and 
thy  days  shall  be  sweet  and  precious  ;  thy  peace  shall 
How  like  a  river ;  thou  shalt  be  blest  in  thy  downsit- 
ting  and  thine  uprising,  at  thy  labor  and  at  thy  home, 
and  no  ill  of  life,  however  afflicting,  shall  disturb  thj 
mind's  repose. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  177 


IX. 

"  Faith,"  says  Sf.  Paul,  "  is  the  substance  of  things 
hoped  for,  the  evidence  of  things  not  seen.  For  by  it 
the  elders  obtained  a  good  report.  Through  faith  we 
understand  that  the  worlds  were  framed  by  the  word 
of  God,  so  that  things  which  are  seen  were  not  made 
of  things  which  do  appear.  By  faith  Abel  offered 
unto  God  a  more  excellent  sacrifice  than  Cain,  by 
which  he  obtained  witness  that  he  was  righteous,  God 
testifying  of  his  gifts  ;  and  by  it  he  being  dead  yet 
speaketh.  By  faith  Enoch  was  translated,  that  he 
should  not  see  death  ;  and  was  not  found,  because  God 
had  translated  him  ;  for  before  his  translation  he  had 
this  testimony,  that  he  pleased  God.  But  without 
faith  it  is  impossible  to  please  him.  By  faith  Noah, 
being  warned  of  God  of  things  not  seen  as  yet,  moved 
with  fear,  prepared  an  ark  to  the  saving  of  his  house ; 
by  the  which  he  condemned  the  world,  and  became 
heir  of  the  righteousness  which  is  by  faith.  By  faith 
Abraham,  when  he  was  called  to  go  out  into  a  place 
which  he  should  after  receive  for  an  inheritance, 
obeyed  ;  and  he  went  out  not  knowing  whither  he 
went.  By  faith  he  sojourned  in  the  land  of  promise, 
as  in  a  strange  country,  dwelling  in  tabernacles  with 
Isaac  and  Jacob,  the  heirs  with  him  of  the  same 
promise ;  for  he  looked  for  a  city  which  hath  founda- 
tions, whose  builder  and  maker  is  God.  By  faith 
Abraham,  when  he  was  tried,  offered  up  Isaac.  By 
faith  Isaac  blessed  Jacob  and  Esau  concerning  things 
to  come.  By  faith  Jacob,  when  he  was  a-dying,  bles- 
sed both  the  sons  of  Joseph  ;  and  worshipped,  leaning 

M 


178  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

upon  the  top  of  his  staff.  By  faith  Joseph,  when  he 
died,  made  mention  of  the  departing  of  the  children 
of  Israel ;  and  gave  commandment  concerning  his 
bones.  By  faith  Moses,  when  he  was  come  to  years, 
refused  to  be  called  the  son  of  Pharaoh's  daughter , 
choosing  rather  to  suffer  affliction  with  the  people  of 
God,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  sin  for  a  season  : 
by  faith  he  forsook  Egypt,  not  fearing  the  wrath  of  the 
king ;  for  he  endured,  as  seeing  him  who  is  invisible. 
By  faith  the  Israelites  passed  through  the  Red  sea,  as 
by  dry  land,  which  the  Egyptians  essaying  to  do  were 
drowned.  By  faith  the  walls  of  Jericho  fell  down, 
after  they  were  compassed  about  seven  days.  And 
what  shali  I  say  more?  for  the  time  would  fail  me  to 
tell  of  Gideon,  and  of  Barak,  and  of  Samson,  and 
of  Jephthae,  and  of  David  also,  and  of  Samuel,  and 
of  the  prophets  ;  who  through  faith  subdued  kingdoms, 
wrought  righteousness,  obtained  promises,  stopped  the 
mouths  of  lions,  quenched  the  violence  of  fire,  escaped 
the  edge  of  the  sword,  out  of  weakness  were  made 
strong,  waxed  valiant  in  fight,  turned  to  flight  the 
armies  of  the  aliens.  Women  received  their  dead 
raised  to  life  again  :  and  others  were  tortured,  not  ac- 
cepting deliverance ;  that  they  might  obtain  a  better 
resurrection  :  and  others  had  trial  of  cruel  mockings 
and  scourgings,  yea,  moreover  of  bonds  and  imprison- 
ment: they  were  stoned,  they  were  sawn  asunder, 
were  tempted,  were  slain  with  the  sword  ;  they  wan- 
dered about  in  sheepskins  and  goatskins  ;  being  desti- 
tute, afflicted,  tormented  :  (of  whom  the  world  was  not 
worthy  .)  they  wandered  in  deserts,  and  in  mountains, 
and  in  dens  and  caves  of  the  earth." 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  179 


AN  ODD-FELLOW'S  COUNSEL. 

[CON  CLUDED.] 
I. 

No  man  can  reflect  upon  his  admission  to  the  mys- 
teries of  Odd-Fellowship,  and  his  advancement  through 
its  various  degrees,  without  feeling  the  force  of  the 
truth  that  "  Virtue  alone  is  happiness  below."  When 
we  speak  of  virtue  here,  we  use  it  as  a  generic  term, 
including  every  disposition  and  every  duty  inculcated 
at  our  altars. 

We  have  endeavored,  in  the  preceding  pages,  to  lay 
before  our  brethren  of  the  Order  a  synopsis  of  the  great 
principles  of  our  institution,  and  the  duties  we  are,  as 
Odd-Fellows,  pledged  to  practise.  Never,  we  trust, 
will  subjects  less  ennobling  displace  from  our  ritual 
these  rich  teachings  —  never  may  the  foul  footsteps  of 
a  recreant  Odd-Fellow  pollute  our  temple  —  never  may 
its  walls  echo  to  the  voice  of  violated  obligations  and 
slighted  vows  ! 

Brethren,  the  task  imposed  upon  you,  while  it  is 
honorable  and  dignified,  is  responsible  and  arduous  ; 
and  it  is  only  by  an  observance  of  those  rules,  which 
our  founders  in  their  wisdom  have  ordained,  that  you 
will  acquit  yourselves  in  such  a  manner  as  to  obtain 
the  approval  of  each  other  and  the  approbation  of  your 


180  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

own  hearts.  To  effect  a  consummation  so  devoutly 
wished,  cultivate  temperance  ;  shun  as  the  second 
death  the  intoxicating  draught  —  it  may  do  harm  —  it 
can  not  do  good.  Odd-P^ellowship  most  impressively 
forbids  intemperance  ;  the  public  voice  demands  ab- 
stinence ;  benevolence  unites  with  public  opinion,  and 
duty  commands  obedience.  No  Odd-Fellow  can  be 
intemperate  without  violating  his  engagements,  and  no 
Lodge  can  retain  in  her  bosom  a  member  guilty  of  in- 
toxication, without  shamefully  violating  that  truth  to 
the  maintenance  of  which  we  are  all  pledged. 

Another  important  prerequisite  to  the  performance 
of  the  duties  required  of  us,  is  chastity  of  mind  ;  and 
here  we  would  enjoin  the  repudiation  of  all  licentious 
pursuits.  No  unchaste  mind  can  realize  the  duties  of 
Friendship,  experience  the  lofty  emotions  of  Love,  or 
discharge  the  obligations  of  Truth.  In  this  connec- 
tion we  may  refer  to  that  unbecoming  practice  so  to- 
tally disreputable  to  Odd-Fellows,  profane  swearing, 
as  a  fruitful  agency  in  destroying  chastity  of  mind. — 
Confessedly  an  idle  habit,  by  indulgence  it  becomes 
fixed,  the  name  of  God  is  profaned  wantonly,  and  the 
ear  of  decency  shocked  by  the  blasphemy.  No  true 
Odd-Fellow  should  thus  act :  how  can  he,  when  he 
remembers  his  duty  to  his  God,  and  that  the  All-see- 
ing Eye  is  fixed  upon  him  ?  If  any  should  so  far  for- 
get his  duty  as  to  indulge  in  these  things,  we  should 
caution  him  of  his  danger  ;  and  if  he  still  persist  in  a 
course  of  evil,  regardless  of  his  duty,  "  let  him  be  as  a 
heathen  man  and  a  publican  :"  yet  let  us  do  our  duty 
—  and  from  his  broken  and  disregarded  vows  shall 
arise  a  voice,  loud  as  the  seven-fold  thunder,  proclaim- 
ing to  hi"  3  recreant  heart,  "  Remember  thy  end!" 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  181 


n. 

What  is  the  object  of  Odd-Fellowship,  and  what  is 
the  influence  it  should  exert  upon  us?  We  need  not 
be  told  that  its  chief  object  is  charity.  But  charity,  in 
a  pecuniary  sense,  is,  in  our  view,  one  of  the  least  im- 
portant of  its  objects.  It  has  higher  aims  ;  it  has  no- 
bler ends.  It  cultivates  the  charities  of  life.  Its  ten- 
dency is,  to  remove  the  barriers  which  an  artificial 
society  has  thrown  around  its  members ;  to  tear  awai 
the  film  of  repulsion  which  we  find  to  exist  in  the 
world,  and  to  make  us  feel  and  act  toward  each  other 

as  BRETHREN. 

The  causes  that  have  been  at  work  to  separate  man 
from  his  neighbor  are  various.  They  seem  to  have 
existed  since  the  fall  of  our  first  parents,  and  are  co- 
eval with  the  existence  of  sin.  Jealousies,  heart- 
burnings, and  contentions,  which  were  first  exhibited 
in  the  factious  spirit  of  Cain,  have  ever  since  existed, 
and  still  are  found  in  the  bosoms  of  all  the  children  of 
earth.  "  Mountains  interposed  have  oftentimes  made 
enemies  of  nations  that  had  else,  like  kindred  drops, 
been  mingled  into  one."  Do  we  not  speak  truly  when 
we  say  that  a  state  of  warfare  is  an  unnatural  condition 
of  man  ?  Men  were  not  born  to  be  enemies  to  each 
other.  For  God  is  not  an  enemy  to  man.  The  fair 
and  beautiful  earth,  the  glorious  sun,  the  moon,  the 
Btars,  the  seasons — all,  all  speak  to  us  of  Love : — 

"  From  harmony,  from  heavenly  harmony, 

This  universal  frame  began  : 

From  harmony  to  harmony 

Through  all  the  compass  of  the  notes  it  ran, 

The  diapason  closing  full,  in  MAN  !" 
16 


182  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

When  we  meet  together,  week  after  week,  and  month 
after  month,  to  engage  in  the  business  of  Odd-Fellow- 
ship, do  we  not  feel  our  spirits  softened,  our  rougher 
natures  smoothed  ?  Do  we  not  feel  the  influence  of 
Friendship  and  of  Love  stealing  over  us,  binding  us 
by  the  holiest  ties  to  each  other  and  to  itself?  But  it 
is  not  the  only  tendency  of  Odd-Fellowship  to  cultivate 
the  charities  of  life.  There  is  another  principle  incul- 
cated by  our  Society,  of  more  importance  than  any  we 
have  yet  considered.  Friendship  and  Love  may  be 
ranked  among  the  charities  of  life,  and  they  form  but 
two  of  the  links  in  the  Odd-Fellows'  chain.  It  is  only 
by  the  addition  of  TRUTH  that  the  chain  is  made 
perfect. 

We  remark  again,  therefore,  that  Truth  is  one 
of  the  most  important  principles  of  Odd-Fellowship. 
"  Truth,"  it  has  been  said,  "  lies  in  the  bottom  of  a 
well."  It  might  be  said  with  equal  propriety  that  it  lies 
upon  the  top  of  a  high  mountain,  or  in  some  other  place 
equally  inaccessible  to  man.  It  is  indeed  a  commodity 
rarely  to  be  met  with  in  this  world  of  ours.  But  among 
Odd-Fellows  it  comes  up  from  the  bottom  of  the  well ; 
it  comes  down  from  the  mountain's  top ;  it  takes  up  its 
abode  in  the  Lodge,  and  dwells  here  as  our  continual 
companion.  May  the  time  never  come  when  it  shall 
cease  to  dwell  among  us !  Let  its  presence  be  cher 
ished  here.  Let  not  the  sacred  chain  be  broken. 


•'  Seize  upon  Truth  where'er  'tis  found  ^ 
Among  your  fr'ends,  among  your  foes ; 
On  Christian  or  on  heathen  ground, 
The  flower's  divine,  where'er  it  grows  ; 
Neglect  the  prickles,  but  assume  the  rose.' 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  183 

As  Odd-Fellows,  we  should  be  sincerely  wedded  to 
the  Truth.  In  the  present  state  of  society,  we  must 
expect  to  find  her  a  portionless  virgin,  and  we  must 
take  her  for  herself  alone.  Let  the  contract  be  to  love, 
cherish,  and  obey  her,  not  only  until  death,  but  beyond 
it.  For  our  union  with  Truth  shall  survive,  not  only 
Death,  but  Time,  the  conqueror  of  Death.  As  Odd- 
Fellows,  therefore,  we  must  be  sincere  adorers  of  the 
Truth.  So  shall  we  be  above  all  present  things ;  we 
shall  stand  firm  in  the  midst  of  temptation  ;  we  shall 
be  frank  and  free  in  the  minds  of  treachery.  And  if 
we  should  be  decried  as  a  bad  bargain  by  those  that 
want  to  purchase  us,  it  will  only  be  because  we  are 
not  to  be  bought. 

Closely  allied  to  Truth  is  the  spirit  of  self-trust — 
self-confidence  —  the  spirit  of  independence.  We 
should  think  for  ourselves  in  all  things.  We  should 
be  distrustful  of  the  opinions  of  men.  True  wisdom 
lies  in  the  holy  of  holies,  in  the  temple  of  Knowl- 
edge ;  and  Doubt  is  the  vestibule  that  leads  unto  it. 
Luther  began  to  doubt  the  infallibility  of  the  pope. 
Copernicus  and  Newton  doubted  the  false  systems  of 
others  before  they  established  a  true  one  of  their  own. 
Columbus  differed  in  opinion  from  all  the  Old  World  be- 
fore he  discovered  a  new  one  ;  and  Galileo's  terrestrial 
body  was  confined  in  a  dungeon  because  he  doubted 
the  existing  theories  of  astronomy,  and  asserted  the 
motion  of  the  celestial  bodies.  Let  us  never  yield  to 
the  tyranny  of  opinion.  Let  the  mind  ever  be  kept 
free.  Let  us  be  patient  and  careful  searchers  after 
Truth.  Should  all  others  forsake  her,  we  will  not 
forsake  her.  Should  she  be  temporarily  crushed  to 
earth,  she  "shall  rise  again."  If,  like  Galileo,  we 


184  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

shall  be  confined  in  a  dungeon  for  saying  that  the 
world  goes  round,  we  will  cry  out  through  the  key- 
hole, "  The  world  goes  round  still !" 

We  dc  not  sufficiently  cherish  the  freedom  of  the 
soul.  We  are  too  apt  to  receive  our  opinions  at  sec- 
ond hand ;  to  be  content  with  the  opinions  of  others, 
and  with  the  researches  of  other  men.  We  should 
take  the  mysterious  divining-rod  into  our  own  hands, 
and  become  diligent  and  faithful  explorers  throughout 
all  the  wide  domain  of  science,  of  politics,  of  litera- 
ture, of  morals,  and  of  religion  —  if  by  any  means  we 
may  search  out  and  embrace  the  beautiful,  the  true,  and 
the  good,  of  human  life. 


in. 

The  duties  which  Odd-Fellowship  enjoins  upon  her 
children  are  these :  she  teaches  them  to  be  good  citi- 
zens ;  to  be  obedient  to  the  civil  power ;  to  cultivate  the 
social  duties  ;  to  be  good  husbands,  fathers,  brothers, 
friends.  She  teaches  them  not  to  regard  mere  external 
appearances,  which  all  Odd-Fellows  know  are  often  de- 
ceptive, but  to  judge  of  the  character  of  men  by  their 
actions,  by  their  conversation,  "  by  their  fruits  "  She 
teaches  a  reverence  for  humanity.  She  tells  us  that 
"  MAN"  is  a  greater  name  than  "  President"  or  "  King." 
Though  his  back  may  be  ragged,  his  hands  hard,  and 
his  countenance  sunburnt,  yet,  inasmuch  as  he  possesses 
the  human  face  and  form,  insomuch  does  he  partake  of 
the  Divinity:  and  if  his  character  is  unsullied  and  his 
morals  fair,  we  take  him  by  the  hand  and  hail  him 
brother!  We  disregard  the  factitious  distinctions  of 
rank  and  privilege  which  station  confers,  and  judge  of 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  185 

men  by  the  only  true  standard,  their  intellectual  anil 
moral  character.  This  is  the  voice  of  Nature ;  it  is 
the  voice  of  God.  It  must  be  gratifying  indeed,  to 
those  who  are  now  members  of  our  Order,  to  look 
back  upon  its  earlier  years,  and  witness  the  small  be- 
ginnings from  which  all  our  present  greatness  has 
sprung.  We  were  once  small  and  weak  ;  we  are  now 
great  and  powerful.  We  number  in  our  ranks  a  fair 
proportion  of  the  intellect,  the  talent,  and  the  wealth 
of  our  country.  We  have  brushed  away  the  rising 
tear  from  many  a  widow's  eye  and  from  many  an 
orphan's  cheek.  We  have  healed  the  broken  heart. 
We  have  bound  up  the  bruised  soul.  When  the  spirit 
of  the  widowed  mother  has  been  borne  down  to  the 
earth,  crushed  by  the  weight  of  accumulating  sorrow — 
when  her  last  prop  and  support  has  been  removed,  and 
the  tenderest  tie  that  bound  her  to  earth  has  been  sev- 
ered— the  friendly  hand  of  Odd-Fellowship  has  raised 
her  up.  again. 

Our  Order  is  a  living  witness  that  the  earth  is  not 
all  a  moral  desolation.  It  has  green  spots  scattered 
here  and  there  over  its  surface.  And  in  the  wilder- 
ness of  the  world  there  is  no  brighter  spot,  there  is  no 
lovelier  oasis  amid  the  desert,  than  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd-Fellowship. 

IV. 

The  benefits  of  our  Order  are  yet  to  be  enlarged ; 
its  sphere  of  usefulness  extended ;  its  roots  will  be 
planted  broader  and  deeper  in  our  country.  The 
spread  of  Odd-Fellowship  will  be  but  the  spread  of  the 
principles  of  benevolence,  and  charity,  and  love.  It 
16* 


186  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

will  be  but  another  step  in  the  civilization  of  our  race- 
Let  the  members  of  the  Order,  not  forgetting  the 
principles  of  benevolence,  turn  also  their  attention 
.somewhat  to  the  pursuits  of  the  SCHOLAR.  For  it  is 
he  that  is  the  excellency  of  his  country,  the  beloved 
of  his  race,  the  happiest  of  men.  His  vocation  does, 
indeed,  lead  him  directly  to  the  holy  ground,  where 
other  men's  aspirations  only  point.  Let  us  not  only 
fete  pioneers  in  the  world  of  morals :  we  may  become 
intellectual  backwoodsmen,  ever  upon  the  outskirts  of 
ttfl  empire  of  the  mind,  reclaiming  continually  from 
the  wilderness  new  fields  for  the  display  of  the  genius 
and  the  intellect  of  man.  Let  us  become  acquainted 
witn  our  thoughts ;  let  us  cherish  the  soul,  and  our 
faculties  will  rise  up  within  us  full  and  fair,  like  the 
forest-oak,  or  the  magnolia-grandiflora  of  the  sunny 
south.  Let  us  enjoy  the  private,  sincere,  divine  expe- 
riences of  the  scholar.  Let  noble,  manly  thought  be 
ours.  Let  us  study  the  lessons  of  human  life ;  catch 
and  keep  the  harmonious  strain  of  upper  music  that 
peals  from  it.  Let  us  worship  the  immortal  divinities 
who  whisper  to  the  poet  and  the  scholar,  and  make 
each  the  utterer  of  melodies  that  pierce  the  ear  of 
eternal  time. 


v. 

Above  all,  let  us  love  one  another.  This  is  the 
Divine  command,  and  it  is  the  command  of  Odd-Fel- 
lowship. Let  us  be,  truly  and  sincerely,  BROTHERS. 

"  Brother  !"  Beautiful  word  !  and  how  pleasant 
when  kindly  spoken  !  How  much  of  love  is  bound 
up  in  those  seven  letters !  how  the  human  heart  hugs 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  187 

the  heavenly  sound  !  Surely  it  has  a  peculiar  fitness 
to  symbolize  pure  affection.  Blessed  be  the  lips  that 
first  uttered  it !  and  let  the  wretch  never  be  known 
whose  bosom  could  not  respond  to  it! 

What  a  relationship  it  expresses  !  It  is  the  name 
of  him  who  is  our  equal ;  our  father  is  his  father — 
our  mother  is  his  mother.  The  love  which  cares  for 
us  cares  for  him  ;  and  the  eyes  that  weep  when  we 
sorrow,  weep  also  when  he  sorrows.  He  is  our  coun- 
terpart, and  has  with  us  equal  rights  beneath  a  com- 
mon paternal  roof;  he  eats  from  the  same  table,  and 
sleeps  beside  us  on  the  dreamy  couch.  He  is  partaker 
alike  of  our  joys  and  pains ;  and  when  an  enemy  ap- 
pears, we  stand  back  to  back  and  shoulder  to  shoulder. 
Boys  together,  we  grow  to  manhood :  the  stream  of 
life  sweeps  one  hither,  and  the  other  thither,  and  years 
pass  on ;  but  neither  distance  nor  years  can  prevent 
our  longing  spirits  from  speeding  over  land  and  ocean 
to  commune  with  our  second  self. 

Brother  !  Generous  epithet !  Every  man  should 
speak  it  lovingly  to  his  fellow ;  but  how  much  "more 
the  Odd-Fellow !  Who  should  utter  it  if  he  does  not 
to  his  brother!  The  term  is  his  peculiarly;  God  has 
given  it  to  him  ;  and  will  he  not  use  it?  Is  the  poor 
Odd-Fellow  afraid  or  ashamed  to  apply  it  to  the  rich 
one?  is  the  rich  one  too  exalted  to  call  an  humble  one 
by  so  sweet  a  title  ?  And  is  it  so  ?  Children  of  one 
family — who  are,  or  should  be,  going  to  the  same  glo- 
rious home,  to  live  there  together  for  ever — refusing 
or  neglecting  to  love  one  another!  Never — never 
should  an  Odd-Fellow  permit  an  unkind  feeling  to 
have  a  place  in  his  breast  against  his  BROTHER  ! 


188  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

VI. 

It  is  well  enough  for  us  sometimes  to  analyze  our 
feelings  and  actions  as  Odd -Fellows,  to  ascertain 
whether  we  are  truly  actuated  toward  each  other  by 
the  broad,  eternal  principle  of  LOVE.  What  is  its 
spirit  ?  It  is  mild  as  an  infant's  breath,  yet  resistless 
as  the  thunderbolt ;  gentle  as  the  lamb,  that  licks  the 
hand  raised  to  shed  its  blood,  yet  more  controlling  and 
powerful  than  the  elements  that  melt  the  rocks  and 
rend  the  mountains.  The  prophet  Elijah  went  and 
stood  on  Mount  Horeb,  to  witness  the  majesty  and 
grandeur  of  the  Almighty. —  The  roaring  winds,  as 
the  rushing  of  a  thousand  cataracts,  were  let  loose  from 
their  secret  chambers,  and  the  strong  rocks  and  frag- 
ments of  the  mountain  yielded  to  the  sweeping  blasts  ; 
but  the  Lord  was  not  in  the  wind.  Then  came  the 
earthquake  :  the  mountain  reeled,  as  though  it  would 
have  been  dashed  headlong  by  convulsive  throes,  and 
shaken  to  pieces  by  the  power  before  whom  its  quaking 
summit  trembled ;  but  the  Lord  was  not  in  the  earth- 
quake. Then  the  devouring  fire,  in  terrifying  and  ser- 
pentine streams  of  flame,  flashed  along  the  shattered 
mountain,  carrying  destruction  and  devastation  in  its 
train  ;  but  the  Lord  was  not  in  the  fire.  After  these 
fearful  and  portentous  sounds  were  hushed,  what  did 
the  prophet  hear?  Nothing  like  storm,  earthquake,  or 
bursting  fire,  but  "  a  still,  small  voice"  exhibited  the 
power  and  the  glory  of  Jehovah  ;  in  it  did  the  Eternal 
manifest  himself  to  his  servant.  That  was  the  voice 
of  LOVE  ;  which  shall  conquer,  and  subdue,  and  win 
it?  trophies,  when  the  storm  of  passion  shall  have 
wasted  its  energies,  and  the  fire  of  Revenge  and  Mai- 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  189 

Ice  shall  have  been  quenched  for  ever.  Brethren,  he 
it  our  intent  to  exhibit  this  principle  in  our  lives,  and, 
by  example,  as  well  as  precept,  to  teach  it  to  others ! 


VII. 

Whosoever  doeth  not  righteousness  is  not  of  God  ; 
neither  he  that  loveth  not  his  brother.  For  this  is  the 
message  that  ye  heard  from  the  beginning,  that  we 
should  love  one  another.  He  that  loveth  not  his 
brother  abideth  in  death.  Whosoever  hateth  his 
brother  is  a  murderer ;  and  ye  know  that  no  murderer 
hath  eternal  life  abiding  in  him.  We  ought  to  be  wil- 
ling to  lay  down  our  lives  for  the  brethren. 

Whoso  hath  this  world's  good,  and  seeth  his  brother 
have  need,  and  shutteth  up  his  bowels  of  compassion 
from  him,  how  dwelleth  the  love  of  God  in  him  ?  — 
Let  us  not  love  in  word,  neither  in  tongue,  but  in 
deed  and  in  truth.  Hereby  we  know  that  we  are  of 
the  Truth,  and  shall  assure  our  hearts  before  God. 
For  if  our  heart  condemn  us  not,  then  have  we  confi 
dence  toward  God. 

God  is  love ;  and  he  that  dwelleth  in  love,  dwelleth 
in  God,  and  God  in  him.  If  a  man  say,  "  I  love 
God,"  and  hateth  his  brother,  he  is  a  liar.  He  who 
loveth  God,  loveth  his  brother  also. 


VIII. 

Our  future  prospect  is  full  of  promise  :  nothing  but 
our  own  misconduct  can  dim  its  brightness.  It  rests 
with  us  alone  whether  our  Fraternity  shall  perish  or 


190  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

prosper  —  whether  it  shall  retrograde  or  advance. — 
What  will  give  us  the  certainty  of  a  bright  and  joyful 
future  as  a  Fraternity  of  Odd-Fellows  ?  We  answer, 
"  UNION."  The  maxim  is  as  true  of  us  as  of  any 
body  of  men,  "  United  we  stand  ;  divided  we  fall." 
We  have  all  read  the  story  of  the  bundle  of  sticks. — 
One,  alone,  was  broken  with  scarcely  an  effort ;  but 
the  bundle  was  proof  against  the  physical  strength  of 
the  strongest.  There  is  such  a  union  of  interests,  and 
of  feeling  and  action  in  our  Brotherhood,  that  it  may 
be,  not  inaptly,  compared  to  the  physical  frame  of 
man.  If  one  member  of  the  body  suffer,  the  entire 
frame  is  affected.  If  we  make  a  puncture  on  the  hand 
or  arm,  and  infuse  poison  into  the  blood,  the  whole 
system  becomes  contaminated.  WThatever  is  calcu- 
lated to  disorganize  and  disunite  us  —  to  scatter  dis- 
cord and  foment  strife  among  us  —  must  weaken  our 
power  and  destroy  our  peace. 

Brethren !  let  union  of  sentiment,  union  of  effort, 
union  of  interest  and  action,  be  engraven  on  our  altars 
and  reign  in  our  hearts  and  councils,  and  we  may  defy 
the  sneers  and  enmity  of  a  thousand  worlds  ;  our  Fra- 
ternity shall  increase,  and  flourish,  and  become  more 
and  more  useful  to  our  race  —  and  when  we  shall 
have  passed  away  in  the  flood  of  time,  it  shall  be  said 
of  us,  what  Goldsmith  said  on  another  subject :  — 

"As  some  tall  clifF,  that  lifts  its  awful  form, 
Swells  from  the  vale,  and  midway  leaves  the  storm, 
Though  round  its  breast  the  rolling  clouds  were  spread. 
Eternal  sunshine  settles  on  its  head  /" 


THE  ODD-FET.LOWS'   TEXT-HOOK.  191 


SECRECY. 

SECRET  societies,  for  mutual  relief,  protection,  in- 
struction, and  religious  worship,  were  probably  first 
known  in  Egypt,  in  the  days  of  her  greatest  glory  and 
refinement.  History  has  handed  down  the  renown  of 
the  ceremonies  which  these  secret  societies  enacted  at 
their  public  festivals.  The  feasts  called  Cerealia,  of 
the  Eleusinian  Order,  in  honor  to  Ceres,  and  the  Dyo- 
nisia,  or  the  feasts  of  Bacchus,  together  with  the  "Or- 
der of  Pontifices"  of  Numa,  king  of  Rome,  were  prop- 
agated from  Egypt  over  all  the  world.  From  these 
orders,  Moses  (who  was  learned  in  all  the  wisdom  of 
the  Egyptians)  probably  derived  much  of  that  wisdom 
which  made  him  the  greatest  lawgiver  in  the  world. 
From  these,  the  Greeks  made  models  of  institutions 
which  lasted  to  the  latest  day  of  their  historical  glory. 
From  these,  the  Druids  of  Britain  modelled  their  reli- 
gious rites,  so  imposing  that  nothing  but  the  revelation 
of  the  religion  of  Christ  could  have  dissipated  their 
power.  From  these,  we  doubt  not,  the  aborigines  of 
our  own  land  have  derived  by  tradition  their  annual 
festive  ceremonies,  to  which  none  but  their  own  blood 
and  nation  are  ever  admitted.  That  such  societies 
existed  in  all  the  ancient  empires  of  the  world,  we 
have  abundant  evidence  on  the  pages  of  history.  We 


192  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

read  that  the  highest  honor  that  could  be  bestowed 
upon  Hippocrates,  in  the  city  where  his  art  first  tri- 
umphed so  signally,  was  to  initiate  him  into  all  the 
mysteries  of  their  secret  orders,  to  which  strangers 
were  never  before  admitted. 

But  these  ancient  orders,  with  the  causes  that  made 
them  useful,  have  passed  away  before  the  transmuting 
hand  of  Time.  The  religious  sublimities  of  Egyptian 
and  Grecian  mythology  have  given  place  to  a  holier 
and  more  simple  religion,  the  precepts  of  which  are 
written  upon  all  the  pages  of  Nature's  great  book,  in 
characters  so  plain,  that  the  weakest  in  intellect  may 
read  them  as  he  runs.  Thus  has  ended  the  mystery 
that  was  once  deemed  necessary  to  preserve  religion 
from  oblivion.  The  archives  of  learning,  too,  have 
been  spread  before  the  world  by  the  magic  power  of 
the  press,  while  Science  is  knocking  and  importuning 
at  the  door  of  the  humblest  of  the  poor,  that  its  inmates 
may  be  made  wise.  Hence  the  mystery  of  that  mo- 
nopoly of  wisdom  which  once  existed  with  the  priests 
of  a  heathen  religion,  has  vanished,  and  its  altars  have 
crumbled  to  the  dust. 

But  the  general  diffusion  of  science,  or  even  the 
Divine  light  of  a  wisdom  that  cometh  from  above,  are 
powerless  from  oppression  and  want,  or  the  relief  and 
comfort  of  the  sick  in  body  and  the  broken  in  spirit. 
Though  Wisdom  and  Devotion  need  no  longer  the 
veil  of  mystery  over  their  altars,  the  heavenly  attribute 
of  Charity  still  loves  the  shade  —  still  loves  to  shun 
the  eye  of  the  world,  and  do  good  by  stealth.  Let  no 
one  say  that  there  should  be  no  secret  concert  in  the 
cultivation  of  the  virtue  of  Benevolence.  Pharisees 
may  give  alms  before  men,  and  make  their  show  of 


THE  ODD-FELLCTW'S'  TEXT-BOOK.  193 

figures  on  subscription-papers ;  they  may  board  to- 
gether their  thousands  for  splendid  schemes  of  public 
charity :  but  scarcely  a  mite  of  all  their  bounty  ever 
reaches  a  deserving  object ;  scarcely  a  drop  of  their 
consolation  ever  relieves  the  distresses  of  a  really  de- 
serving sufferer. 

To  those  who  possess  a  tolerable  acquaintance  with 
human  nature,  and  are  in  any  wise  familiar  with  the 
history  of  mankind,  either  past  or  present,  the  impor- 
tance and  usefulness  of  societies  in  ameliorating  the 
condition  of  man,  in  correcting  the  evils  of  his"  nature, 
and  in  bringing  forth  the  latent  principles  of  his  mind 
into  healthful  exercise,  are  sufficiently  obvious.  There 
are,  however,  in  this  strange  and  contradictory  world, 
many  persons  who  oppose  secret  societies  on  the  mere 
ground  of  their  SECRECY,  and  who  ask,  "  If  there  is 
any  good  in  them,  why  do  they  not  open  their  portals 
to  the  public  gaze?"  We  would  ask,  in  reply,  "Are 
those  who  make  the  most  ado  about  the  secrecy  and 
mystery  of  others,  willing  that  every  act  of  their  own 
should  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  world  ?"  No  ! 
Their  stammering  tongues  and  blushing  cheeks  would 
be  evidence  of  their  unwillingness  to  surrender  the  keys 
of  their  hearts. 

The  truth  of  the  matter  is,  that  mystery  and  secrecy 
abound,  and  will  ever  abound,  through  each  and  every 
department  of  society.  That  maxim  which  taught  men 
that  a  secret  should  be  held  inviolate,  sprang  from  a 
^nse  of  the  importance  of  implicit  confidence  in  every 
relation  of  life.  Those  concerned  in  secret  societies 
only  act  up  to  the  principles  of  every-day  existence. 
Is  not  a  man's  household  the  place  wherein  his  best 
affections  centre  ?  While  troubles  beset  him  on  either 
17  N 


194  THE  ODD-FELLOWS    TEXT-BOOK. 

hand  while  attending  to  his  daily  calling,  he  looks  to 
the  domestic  hearth  as  to  the  Mecca  of  his  heart,  the 
haven  of  his  rest.  But  if  the  world  were  to  gaze  upon 
the  concerns  of  his  family,  or  if  he  himself  were  to  pro- 
claim all  the  events  which  might  occur  within  his  little 
circle,  need  it  be  said  that  all  the  charms  of  his  fire- 
side, all  the  sacred  associations  of  home,  would  for  ever 
depart?  The  fact  that  his  family  is  a  small  commu- 
nity, separate  and  distinct  from  the  mass  of  mankind, 
makes  it  the  means  of  domestic  felicity.  If  you  were 
to  enlarge  this  community  by  the  admission  of  the  mul- 
titude, would  it  not  lose  its  fascination  ?  Yet,  upon  the 
principles  of  the  opponents  of  secret  societies,  unless 
he  proclaim  to  the  world  the  affairs  of  his  family,  unless 
his  household  gods  are  prostrated  and  trodden  under 
foot,  then,  forsooth,  vice  and  immorality  must  reign 
within  his  dwelling  !  What  would  be  the  fate  of  every 
sacred  engagement,  of  all  the  relations  by  which  the 
best  feelings  of  the  soul  are  promoted  —  from  which 
arise  the  greatest  blessings  of  the  social  system  —  if 
there  were  no  obligations  of  secrecy  on  those  who  con- 
tract them  ?  As  well  might  the  silver  cord  at  once  be 
loosened,  and  the  chain  of  affection  become  as  a  rope 
of  sand.  There  are  mysteries  and  secrets  in  every 
department  of  society,  which  can  never  be  fathomed. 
There  are  secrets  which  occupy  but  few  breasts,  and 
will  never  be  extended  to  others ;  secrets,  too,  into  which 
no  person  of  refinement  would  think  of  prying. 

There  are  secrets  among  all  classes  of  men,  in  every 
pursuit  in  life,  which  are  held  inviolate.  Business-men 
have  secrets  which  they  studiously  confine  to  their  own 
bosoms,  scarcely  allowing  them  to  escape  even  to  those 
engaged  in  their  service  :  professional  men  have  secrets. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  195 

which  they  will  not  reveal  to  any  excepting  menvbers 
of  their  own  calling.  Why  do  not  the  opponents  of 
secret  societies  complain  of  these  ? 

There  are  none  so  blind  as  those  who  will  not  see. 
Men  who  oppose  Odd-Fellowship  on  the  ground  of  its 
secrecy  merely,  and.  who,  with  an  inconsistency  that 
would  seem  to  indicate  monomania,  object  to  secrecy 
in  any  form,  as  though  it  were  some  fell  destroyer,  may 
not  be  easily  persuaded.  But  there  are  those  who  sim- 
ply misapprehend  this  matter,  who  are  willing  to  be 
convinced  ;  and  to  such  we  now  address  ourselves. 

If  these  people  could  enter  a  Lodge  of  Odd-Fellows 
as  members,  they  would  be  astonished  at  the  simplicity 
of  our  "  mysteries."  There  is  nothing  horrible,  noth- 
ing terrifying,  in  our  secrets.  They  have  a  single 
object,  and  that  is  one  which  no  sensible  man  would 
condemn.  They  are  practised  for  the  simplest  of  pur- 
poses—  one  of  which  is  that  of  recognition.  Many  of 
our  brethren  come  from  a  distance  to  visit  the  Lodges, 
and  some  of  them  require  our  aid  in  seasons  of  adver- 
sity. If  we  had  no  means  of  knowing  them,  we  might 
be  the  constant  dupes  of  imposture,  and  the  prey  of 
deception  and  fraud.  By  the  proper  employment  of 
the  intelligence  derived  through  our  "  secrets,"  we  can 
always  recognise  an  Odd-Fellow ;  and  thus,  without 
even  speaking  with  him,  can  give  him  our  aid.  No 
matter  what  language  he  may  speak,  if  he  be  a  brother, 
we  are  able  in  a  moment  to  know  him  as  such.  The 
"  secret,"  then,  of  our  secrets,  is  simply  this  :  to  know 
each  other,  and  to  prevent  imposition.  What  evil,  we 
ask,  can  they  do  to  society  ?  why  should  they  be  made 
such  "bugbears"  among  men  and  women? 

But  supposing,  after  all,  that  our  secrets  were  appalling, 


196  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

and  horrifying,  and  to  be  properly  distrusted  by  those 
who  are  ignorant  of  them  ?  If  we  elevate  the  charac- 
ter of  men,  and  send  them  forth  to  the  world  better 
fitted  to  discharge  their  various  duties,  what  matters 
to  the  world  the  means  we  employ  to  do  it?  What 
profit  would  it  be  to  the  unlawful  "  priers"  into  our 
mysteries  to  know  whether  we  "  rebuild  the  temple  of 
Solomon,"  or  practise  the  incantations  of  the  witches 
of  Macbeth,  in  our  ceremonies?  Some  have  said  that 
secret  societies  are  inconsistent  with,  and  dangerous 
to,  our  republican  institutions.  We  need  not  argue 
any  abstract  political  theories  on  this  subject.  They 
are  sufficiently  answered  in  the  fidelity  and  patriot- 
ism, exemplified  in  their  conduct  to  the  world,  of 
the  members  of  the  Order.  To  the  initiated,  who 
know  how  perfectly  harmless  to  all  the  world  is  the 
secrecy  of  a  Lodge-room,  this  objection  is  a  matter  of 
ridicule.  Odd-Fellowship  is  a  philanthropic  institu- 
tion, which  has  been  more  successful  than  any  similar 
association  ever  established  in  this  country.  How 
many,  professing  a  like  object,  have  had  an  existence, 
in  all  the  forms  which  the  ingenuity  of  man  could  de- 
vise, within  the  comparatively  brief  space  of  the  last 
half  century?  And  what  of  them,  save  this  and 
Masonry,  now  remains?  Why  is  it  that  destruction 
has  been  written  upon  them  all,  by  the  finger  of  time, 
ere  its  mould  had  covered  them  ?  Because  their  prin- 
ciple of  association,  consisting  in  the  mere  promptings 
of  benevolence,  however  good  in  itself,  embraced  no 
fellowship  of  hearts,  no  community  of  interest,  and 
consequently  they  possessed  no  bond  of  union  nor 
element  of  life.  They  imposed  duty  without  incul- 
cating affection ;  and  they  extended  charity  with  the 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  197 

cold  hand  of  formality,  instead  of  accompanying  it 
with  the  warm  and  generous  emotions  of  the  heart. 
It  is  the  principle  of  secrecy  that  forms  our  bond  of 
union,  because  it  is  that  which,  though  it  be  common 
to  us,  is  unknown  to  the  world  ;  it  constitutes  our 
Brotherhood,  links  us  together  in  a  community  of 
feeling  and  affection,  and  enables  us  to  preserve  the 
organic  capacity  which  in  all  other  forms  has  crumbled 
to  pieces.  If  it  were  dangerous  to  any  principle  of 
government,  or  any  interest  of  society  —  any  precept 
of  morals,  or  any  fundamental  doctrine  of  our  faith  — 
is  it  likely  that  we  would  hold  it  out  to  every  one, 
and  invite  all  to  come  and  be  made  acquainted  with 
it?  Or,  if  it  contained  any  or  all  of  these  elements, 
is  it  probable  that  it  could  retain  in  its  embrace  the 
hundreds  and  thousands  of  great  and  good  men  who 
are  enrolled  among  its  members  ?  Would  there  not 
be  at  least  one,  among  them  all,  who,  scorning  the 
trammels  of  deceit  —  spurning  all  obligations  requiring 
the  concealment  of  vice,  immorality,  and  even  treason 
itself — would  at  once  unmask  them  to  the  world? 

Is  secrecy,  in  itself  considered,  a  crime  ?  If  it  be, 
then  all  men  and  women  are  criminals;  for  all,  in 
whatever  situation  of  life  they  may  severally  be  placed, 
have  secrets  which  they  will  not  reveal  to  mortal  ear. 
It  is  no  crime.  Heaven  and  earth, .God  and  nature, 
death  and  eternity,  life,  love,  and  even  Truth  itself, 
are  full  of  it.  Why,  then,  should  Odd-Fellows  be 
condemned  for  their  "  secrecy  ?" 

We  have  sometimes  thought  that  Odd-Fellows  them- 
selves have  been  to  blame  for  the  opposition  our  "  se- 
crets" have  encountered.  They  are  not,  in  all  cases, 
sufficiently  careful  in  their  conversations  with  the  world 
17* 


198  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

on  this  subject.  Indeed,  they  have  misrepresented 
facts,  by  absurdly  hinting  to  their  friends  and  neigh- 
bors, that  there  is  something  in  our  rites  and  mysteries 
extremely  awful  or  ridiculous.  They  have  mischiev- 
ously pretended  that  the  candidate  for  Odd-Fellowship 
must  undergo  a  certain  terrifying  ordeal,  and  that  he 
must  "  ride  a  goat!"  We  contend  that  all  this  is  not 
only  foolish,  but  scandalous.  No  brother  has  a  right 
to  bring  reproach  upon  the  Order  by  promulgating 
such  trash. 

In  concluding  this  subject,  we  would  impress  upon 
the  minds  of  the  Brotherhood  the  importance  of  not 
only  keeping  our  secrets,  but  of  discouraging,  in  every 
possible  manner,  the  practice  of  misrepresenting  them. 
If  we  are  truly  Odd-Fellows,  we  shall  keep  our  mys- 
teries inviolate.  Those  who  fail  to  do  this,  have  not 
well  learned  the  lessons  they  have  been  taught.  They 
should  study  them  over  again,  and  commit  to  memory 
some  of  the  instructions  they  have  received  ;  so  that, 
by  their  example,  they  may  convince  the  world  that 
"  good  faith"  and  virtue  are  the  peculiar  characteris- 
tics of  a  true  Odd-Fellow ;  for,  according  to  our  laws, 
toe  can  be  Odd-Fellows  only  while  we  act  like  honest 
men.  Brethren  !  let  us  remember  this. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  199 


THE  EMBLEMS  OF  THE  ORDER. 


THE  INITIATORY  DEGREE. 

The  Eye.  —  As  Odd-Fellows,  let  us  always  remem- 
ber those  expressive  words,  that  can  not  be  too  deeply 
imprinted  on  our  minds,  "  Thou,  God,  seest  rne !" 
For  the  eye  of  the  Lord  is  in  every  place,  beholding 
the  evil  and  the  good. 

We  may  also,  in  this  connection,  remind  ourselves 
that  "  a  wholesome  tongue  is  a  tree  of  life  ;"  that  the 
SECRETS  we  have  promised  to  keep  inviolate  will 
never  be  divulged,  except  by  a  man  devoid  of  the  prin- 
ciples of  honor. 

The  Heart  and  Hand.  —  The  command  of  our  law 
is,  that  we  visit  the  sick,  relieve  the  distressed,  bury 
the  dead,  and  educate  the  orphan.  What  our  hands 
find  to  do  in  these  respects,  therefore,  we  should  do 
cheerfully,  with  the  whole  heart ;  not  grudgingly  and 
unwillingly.  True  friendship  goes  out  with  alacrity  to 
the  service  required  of  it :  and  heart  and  hand  should 
go  forth  in  concert  in  the  cause  of  suffering  humanity , 
they  must  not  be  divided  in  their  energies. 

The  Coffin,  Skull,  and  Cross-Bones.  —  The  decree 
of  Heaven  is  "  Dust  thou  art,  and  unto  dust  thou  shalt 
return."  We  all  await  the  inevitable  hour.  What  i? 


200  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

our  life  ?  It  is  even  a  vapor,  that  appeareth  for  a  lit- 
tle time,  and  then  vanisheth  away.  Where  are  the 
myriads  of  the  human  family  that  have  lived  and  fig- 
ured on  the  earth  ?  They  all  sleep  with  their  fathers, 
and  the  places  that  once  knew  them  shall  know  them 
no  more  for  ever.  Oh,  let  us  reflect — let  us  seriously 
meditate,  my  brother,  on  these  monitors  of  "  what  we 
are  sure  to  be,  and  what  we  may  soon  become." 

The  Bee-Hive. —  The  industrious  man  seldom  suf- 
fers the  agony  of  want.  Even  though  his  labors  yield 
him  but  a  trifle,  he  is  content  in  the  knowledge  that 
he  is  doing  what  he  can  to  support  himself.  The  idler 
is  an  unhappy  wretch  who  drags  out  a  miserable  ex- 
istence. While  the  sleep  of  the  laborer  is  sweet  and 
refreshing,  that  of  the  idler  is  restless  and  unsatisfying. 
No  man  can  be  happy  unemployed.  No  matter  how 
rich  he  may  be,  he  must  work  if  he  would  not  be  mis- 
erable. This  is  a  law  of  Nature  —  it  can  not  be  suc- 
cessfully resisted.  As  members  of  this  Order,  we 
must  LABOR,  my  brother  —  if  not  necessarily  for  our- 
selves, then  for  our  fellows. 

The  Links  and  Axe.  —  "Friendship,  Love,  and 
Truth,"  the  motto  of  our  Order  —  how  trite  it  has  be- 
come—  and  how  little  is  it  understood  and  practised 
by  many  who  make  large  professions  !  Yet  what  is  it? 
Friendship,  Love,  and  Truth,  extended  toward  man 
by  his  brother  universally,  would  make  of  this  world 
a  comparative  paradise.  It  would  turn  aside  half  the 
ills  that  "  flesh  is  heir  to,"  and  produce  an  amount  of 
happiness  that  would  astonish  mankind  itself.  Friend- 
ship, Love,  and  Truth,  my  brother,  is  no  unmeaning 
expression.  Practise  them,  and  you  at  least  will  de- 
rive consolation  from  them.  Do  not  imitate  the  theo- 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  201 

rizers,  who  preach  our  motto  through  their  presses  and 
irom  their  rostrums,  and  who  have  none  of  its  life  and 
spirit;  but  go  out  among  your  brethren,  and  make 
them  feel  that  YOU  at  least  are  no  vainglorious  boaster, 
whose  thought  is  only  for  the  loaves  and  fishes.  Per- 
form the  offices  of  Friendship,  Love,  and  Truth  —  do 
not  merely  talk  about  them. 


WHITE  DEGREE. 

The  Lamb,  —  Innocence  is  one  of  the  loveliest  qual- 
ities which  adorn  human  nature.  The  corrupt  laugh 
at  and  affect  to  despise  it,  but  in  their  hearts  they  honor 
it.  The  temperate,  the  chaste,  the  benevolent,  and 
the  charitable,  are  beloved  by  the  most  abandoned 
wretches  that  disgrace  humanity.  Innocence  of  wrong- 
doing commends  itself  to  all,  and  he  who  evinces  it  in 
his  life  and  conduct  may  command  the  confidence  of 
the  whole  world. 

The  Bundle  of  Sticks.  —  "In  union  is  strength,'* 
is  a  common  axiom.  We  must  be  united  in  this  cause 
of  Odd-Fellowship,  not  only  in  our  corporate  capacity, 
but  in  our  DEEDS.  A  single  individual,  if  he  labor 
with  a  will,  may  accomplish  much  in  the  field  of  fra- 
ternity ;  but  a  host,  united  in  solid  phalanx  in  the  ser- 
vice of  Benevolence,  may  revolutionize  the  world.  If 
the  four  hundred  thousand  Odd-Fellows  we  boast  of 
in  numbers  were  to  go  forth  NOW,  and  put  into  prac- 
tice what  they  profess  —  if  they  would  labor  with  one 
heart  and  one  mind  in  the  highways  and  byways  of 
life  —  how  soon  might  their  influence  pervade  tne 
earth,  crushing,  withering,  annihilating  the  demons  of 


202  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

Avarice,  and  Lust,  and  Pride,  and  raising  man  to  the 
high  and  holy  estate  for  which  his  Maker  designed 
him  !  Brother,  forget  not  your  obligations.  Wait  not 
for  others,  but  do  your  part,  though  you  may  be  but 
one  rod  in  the  bundle. 


COVENANT  DEGREE. 

Quiver  and  Arrows.  —  As  the  marksman  prides 
himself  on  the  certainty  of  his  aim,  so  should  we,  in  a 
higher  and  more  noble  sense,  study  to  make  our  gen- 
erous deeds  sure.  We  must  not  perform  our  good 
offices  at  random,  but  so  regulate  and  direct  them  as 
to  render  them  serviceable  at  the  proper  time,  and 
place,  and  circumstance.  Thus,  unlike  the  Indian, 
who  desires  his  bow  and  arrows  buried  with  him,  that 
he  may  possess  them  in  the  happy  hunting-grounds 
where  the  Great  Spirit  dwells,  let  us  hope  that  the 
odor  of  our  benevolent  actions  shall  precede  us,  and 
trust  that  the  influence  of  those  actions  shall  be  felt 
and  realized  after  all  that  is  mortal  of  us  shall  have 
perished. 


THE  ROYAL-BLUE  DEGREE. 

Moses1  Rod.  —  As  "the  great  lawgiver  of  the  Jews" 
received  his  authority  and  was  directed  by  the  Almigh- 
ty, so  may  you,  my  brother,  by  the  same  authority  and 
direction,  go  forth  as  a  leader  in  the  cause  of  the  op- 
pressed. Under  such  guidance  you  may  smite  with 
power  and  effect  the  high,  thick  walls  of  Prejudice 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  203 

which  shut  man  away  from  his  fellow ;  you  may  pro- 
tect him  from  the  enemies  which  would  enslave  and 
crush  him,  by  teaching  him  to  follow  the  example  and 
practise  the  precepts  which  the  Jewish  leader  exhib- 
ited and  inculcated. 

The  Dove.  —  The  messenger  of  Peace  and  Good- 
will, of  Promise  and  of  Hope,  what  lot  more  happy  — 
more  desirable  —  than  thine!  "Like  a  tree  planted 
by  the  rivers,  that  bringeth  forth  his  fruit  in  his  season, 
thy  leaf  shall  not  wither,  and  whatsoever  thou  doest 
shall  prosper."  Brother  !  be  not  wearied  in  thy  prog- 
ress. Go  forth  ever  in  the  cause  of  Friendship  — 
bear  ever  the  olive-branch  of  Peace  to  the  oppressed. 

The  Brazen  Serpent.  —  But  while  thou  shouldst  be 
harmless  as  the  dove,  thou  shouldst  also  be  wise  as 
the  serpent.  Suffer  no  man — brother  though  he  pro- 
fess to  be  —  to  deceive  thee  by  false  tokens.  All  are 
not  Odd-Fellows  who  take  the  name.  All  are  not  thy 
co-laborers  who  claim  to  be  so.  He  who  is  selfish,  or 
avaricious,  or  uncharitable,  is  NOT  thy  brother.  Re- 
form him,  if  thou  canst,  but  discover  not  to  him  thy 
secrets.  Do  thy  own  work  —  make  not  him  thy  part- 
ner in  it. 

The  Ark  of  the  Covenant.  —  The  ark  of  the  cove- 
nant contained  the  sublimest  instructions  ever  given 
to  man.  On  these  all  just  laws  have  been  founded. 
On  these  have  our  laws  been  built.  As  those  sacred 
deposites  were  the  objects  of  respect  and  reverence  by 
the  Jews,  so  likewise,  my  brother,  honor  thou  the  teach- 
ings thus  far  impressed  on  thy  mind,  and  act  in  con 
formity  with  the  lessons  thou  hast  learned. 


204  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

THE  DEGREE  OF  REMEMBRANCE. 

The  Scales  and  Sword. — Let  us  weigh  well  and 
truly  our  conduct  and  our  actions,  and  suffer  the  bal- 
ance to  be  a  just  one.  The  spirit  cf  Justice  will  not 
permit  us  to  impose  false  balances.  If  we  have  erred, 
therefore,  we  must  not  screen  ourselves,  but  repent. 
Nor  should  we  screen  other  delinquents,  however  much 
our  sympathy  may  be  excited  in  their  behalf.  He  is 
most  merciful  who  enforces  justice  on  the  evil-doer, 
for  it  is  for  the  general  good  :  better  one  suffer  than 
many. 

The  Horn  of  Plenty.  —  If  thou  art  or  shouldst  be- 
come blessed  with  abundance,  be  thankful,  not  in 
words  merely,  but  in  DEEDS.  If  thou  hast  plenty  and 
to  spare,  and  wouldst  be  happy,  give  of  thy  abun- 
dance in  the  cause  of  Benevolence.  So  shalt  thou 
greatly  aid  in  carrying  out  the  noble  designs  of  this 
Fraternity. 


THE  SCARLET  DEGREE. 

The  Bible. —  What  you  have  been  told  concerning 
the  sacred  deposites  of  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  might 
be  appropriately  repeated  here.  The  Word  of  God, 
'he  Book  of  books,  is  the  source  of  all  true  wisdom, 
Divine  and  human.  It  is  a  "  lamp  to  our  feet,  a  light 
to  our  path,"  and  contains  unerring  directions  and 
counsel  for  every  phase,  circumstance,  and  condition 
of  life.  Study  it,  my  brother. 

Sun,  Moon,  and  Seven  Stars.  —  The  sun  is  the  em- 
blem of  power  and  vigor ;  the  moon  and  stars  are  not 
only  subordinate  to  it,  but  dependent  upon  it.  TRUTH 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  205 

is  our  great  light.  If  we,  in  the  course  of  our  pilgrim- 
age here  on  earth,  realize  its  power  in  our  hearts,  per- 
mit it  to  control  our  actions,  and  in  our  turn  reflect  its 
strength  upon  others'  hearts,  we  shall  be  the  noblest 
benefactors  that  ever  blessed  humanity.  We  must,  as 
Odd-Fellows,  be  sincerely  wedded  to  TRUTH.  For 
our  union  with  her  shall  survive,  not  only  earth,  but 
Time,  the  conqueror  of  Death. 

The  Budding-Rod.  —  And  the  Lord  spake  unto 
Moses,  saying,  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
take  of  every  one  of  them  a  rod  according  to  the  house 
of  their  fathers,  of  all  their  princes  according  to  the 
house  of  their  fathers,  twelve  rods :  write  thou  every 
man's  name  upon  his  rod.  And  thou  shall  write 
Aaron's  name  upon  the  rod  of  Levi :  for  one  rod  shall 
be  for  the  head  of  the  house  of  their  fathers.  And 
thou  shall  lay  them  up  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congre- 
gation before  the  testimony,  where  I  will  meet  with 
you.  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  that  the  man's  rod 
whom  I  shall  choose  shall  blossom :  and  I  will  make 
to  cease  from  me  the  murmurings  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  whereby  they  murmur  against  you.  And  Moses 
spake  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and  every  one  of 
their  princes  gave  him  a  rod  apiece,  for  each  prince 
one,  according  to  their  fathers'  houses,  even  twelve 
rods :  and  the  rod  of  Aaron  was  among  their  rods. 
And  Moses  laid  up  the  rods  before  the  Lord  in  the 
tabernacle  of  witness.  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  on 
the  morrow  Moses  went  into  the  tabernacle  of  witness  ; 
and  behold,  the  rod  of  Aaron  for  ihe  house  of  Levi 
was  budded,  and  brought  forih  buds,  and  bloomed 
blossoms,  and  yielded  almonds. 
18 


206  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

THE  PATRIARCHAL  DEGREE. 

The  Altar  of  Incense.  —  Let  thy  offerings,  brother, 
be  submitted  in  all  simplicity  and  purity  of  heart.  Im- 
itate the  patriarchs.  Worship  thy  Maker  in  spirit  and 
in  truth.  Call  on  him  frequently — thou  hast  need  of 
his  guidance.  Approach  his  altar  in  the  spirit  of  hu- 
mility and  of  love,  and  ask  his  blessings,  not  only  on 
thyself,  but  on  thy  neighbor.  So  shall  thou  find  favor 
in  his  sight,  and  insure  his  countenance  and  support. 

The  Patriarch's  Tent.  —  The  patriarchs  of  old,  who 
dwelt  in  tents,  whose  employment  was  that  of  shep- 
herds, and  who  passed  their  lives  in  the  inculcation  of 
the  social  virtues,  were  a  happy  because  they  were  a 
good  people.  Brother,  imitate  their  pure  example, 
and  thou  shalt  find  the  contentment  which  they  so 
richly  enjoyed. 


THE  GOLDEN-RULE  DEGREE. 

The  Three  Pillars.  —  Brother,  have  "Faith  in  God, 
Hope  in  immortality,  and  Charity  to  all  mankind.  '  The 
greatest  of  these  is  Charity  ;'  for  our  Faith  may  be  lost 
in  sight;  Hope  ends  in  fruition;  but  Charity  extends 
beyond  the  grave,  through  the  boundless  realms  of 
eternity."  The  chief  pillar  of  the  temple  we  have 
reared  is  therefore  Charity.  Remember,  then,  that  on 
this  mainly  depends  our  superstructure,  and  fail  not, 
faint  not  in  the  practice  of  this  Godlike  virtue. 

The  Globe.  —  Let  us  exert  our  utmost  endeavors  to 
hasten  the  most  desirable  period.  Let  us  conquer  the 
world  to  its  own  peace,  by  compelling  it  to  aid  us  to 
establish  the  glorious  reign  of  the  GOLDEN  POWER. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS    TEXT-BOOK. 


207 


The  globe  is  the  field  of  our  labor.  We  should  not 
pause  in  our  efforts  until  the  whole  world  shall  be 
made  happy.  We  should  carry  our  Benevolence  and 
Friendship  into  every  corner  of  the  wide  earth,  and 
into  the  remotest  islands  of  the  sea. 


THE  ROYAL-PURPLE  DEGREE. 

The  Hour- Glass  and  Scythe. — While  we  have  been 
thus  pursuing  this  journey,  which  has  brought  us  at 
length  to  the  goal  we  set  out  to  reach,  the  sands  of  our 
life  have  been  falling,  and  we  are  nearer  the  "  bourne 
whence  no  traveller  returns."  Old  Time,  with  his 
unerring  scythe,  is  on  our  track  —  we  can  not  escape 
him.  Let  us  now  impress  this  truth  —  let  us  ENGRAVE 
it  on  our  hearts  —  that  there  is  not  a  moment  to  waste  ; 
that,  in  the  brief  probation  allotted  to  us  here  on  earth, 
the  good  or  ill  we  accomplish  is  all  of  us  that  shall  live 
among  men. 

DIAGRAM  OF  AN  ENCAMPMENT  ROOM. 


1J.N3SSO 


N 

w 


m 


NOTE.  —  It  is  not  proposed  to  fix  definitely  which  side  of  the  Chief  Patriarch, 
tho  Scribe  and  Treasurer  shall  sit,  nor  ou  which  side  of  the  room  the  tent  shall  be. 


208  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


THE  JEWELS  AND  REGALIA  OF  THE  ORDER 

THE  Jewels  and  Regalia  worn  by  Odd-Fellows 
have  been  made  the  subject  of  much  remark  by  those 
who  do  not  understand  their  object.  They  have  been 
called  "  a  useless  expense,"  a  "  token  without  mean- 
ing," "  an  ostentatious  display  for  the  purpose  of  catch- 
ing the  eye."  We  shall  not  argue  in  this  place  the 
propriety  of  the  use  of  regalia  and  jewels  by  the  Order 
of  Odd-Fellows,  but  will  merely  say  that  there  is  a  sig- 
nificance attached  to  them  which  the  uninitiated  can 
neither  understand  nor  appreciate.  Yet  we  will  take 
occasion  to  remark  to  our  brethren,  that  an  ostentatious 
display  of  these  matters  is  indicative  of  a  weakness 
which  the  world,  and  especially  the  opponents  of  our 
Order,  will  be  apt  to  construe  to  the  prejudice  of  our 
institution.  In  describing  the  jewels  and  regalia,  we 
shall  commence  with  those  of  the  Grand-Sire  and  mem- 
bers of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States,  and  pro- 
ceed with  those  of  the  several  Grand  and  subordinate 
bodies  down  to  the  Lodge. 


JEWELS  AND  REGALIA  OF  THE  GRAND  LODGE  OF  THE 
UNITED  STATES. 

Jewel  of  a  Grand-Sire  and  of  P.  Grand-Sires.— 
A  medal  of  yellow  metal,  three  inches  in  diameter,  on 
ore  side  of  which  is  the  coat-of-arms  of  the  United 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS"  TEXT-BOOK.  209 

States,  surrounded  by  an  ornamental  edging  of  silver. 
Regalia.  —  Collar  of  purple  velvet,  four  inches  in 
width,  with  a  roll  of  scarlet  velvet  on  the  upper  edge 
around  the  neck  ;  trimmings  of  yellow  metal.  The  col- 
lar to  be  united  in  front  with  three  links,  from  which 
must  be  suspended  the  medal. 

The  Regalia  of  officers,  representatives,  past  offi- 
cers, and  past  representatives  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
the  U.  S.,  is  similar  to  the  above.  Representatives  and 
past  representatives  may  wear  medals  of  the  size  and 
style  of  that  of  the  Grand-Sire,  signifying  the  coat-of- 
arms  of  the  State  represented  in  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
the  U.  S.  

JEWELS  AND  REGALIA  OF  A  STATE  GRAND  LODGE. 

Jewel  of  a  past  Grand-Master. — Sun,  of  white  met- 
al ;  heart  in  hand.  Regalia. — Scarlet  sash,  (or  collar,) 
trimmed  with  scarlet.  The  sash  (or  collar)  may  be 
trimmed  with  silver  lace  or  fringe.*  The  regalia  for 
all  officers  and  members  of  a  Grand  Lodge  is  as  above. 
[That  of  the  Chaplain  is  an  exception ;  at  least  we  have 
made  it  so.] 

Jewel  of  a  Grand-Master. — Sun,  exhibiting  the 
scales  of  Justice.  Of  white  metal.  Regalia. — As 
above. 

Jewel  of  a  Deputy  Grand-Master. — Half-moon.  Of 
white  metal.  Regalia. — As  above. 

*  Past  Grands  of  the  R.  P.  Degree  may  have  trimmings  of 
ye'loio  metal;  but  the  colors  of  the  regalia  of  the  officers  of  a 
Grand  Lodge  should  be  uniformly  scarlet  and  white.  The  regalia 
for  a  Past  Grand,  who  is  also  a  Past  Chief-Patriarch,  may,  in  lieu 
of  any  other  regalia  to  which  he  may  be  entitled,  be  a  scarlet 
collar,  trimmed  with  white,  the  collar  not  to  be  more  than  five  and 
18*  O 


210  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

Jewel  of  a  Grand  Warden. —  Crossed  gavels.  Of 
white  metal.  Regalia.  —  As  above. 

Jewel  of  a  Grand  Secretary.  —  Crossed  pens.  Of 
white  metal.  Regalia.  —  As  above. 

Jewel  of  a  Grand  Treasurer.  —  Crossed  keys.  Of 
white  metal.  Regalia.  —  As  above. 

o 

Jcicel  of  a  Grand  Chaplain.  —  The  Bible.  Of 
white  metal.  Regalia.  —  A  white  sash. 

Jeivel  of  a  Grand  Marshal.  —  A  baton.  Of  white 
metal.  Regalia.  —  Scarlet  collar  or  sash,  trimmed 
with  white. 

Jewel  of  a  Grand  Conductor.  —  A  Roman  sword. 
Of  white  metal.  Regalia.  —  As  above. 

Jewel  of  a  Grand  Guardian.  —  Crossed  swords. 
Of  white  metal.  Regalia.  —  As  above. 


JEWELS  AND  REGALIA  OF  A  GRAND  ENCAMPMENT. 

Jewel  of  a  Grand  Patriarch.  —  Crossed  crooks  and 
an  altar,  represented  in  the  centre  of  a  double  triangle 
of  yellow  metal.  Regalia.  —  Royal  purple  collar  or 
sash. 

Jcwlof  a  Grand  High-Priest.  —  The  breast-plate,* 
represented  in  the  centre  of  a  double  triangle  of  yel- 
low metal.  Regalia.  —  As  above. 

Jctvelofa  Grand  Senior  Warden.  —  Crossed  crooks 

a  half  inches  wide  with  a  roll  of  purple  two  inches  wide,  trimmed 
with  yellow,  the  collar  to  be  united  in  front  with  three  links.  The 
above  described  regalia  may  be  worn  by  a  brother  who  has  passed 
the  chairs  in  a  Lodge  and  in  an  Encampment  in  any  Grand  or 
Subordinate  Lodge  or  any  Grand  or  Subordinate  Encampment. 
The  collar  may  be  of  scarlet  velvet,  with  white  metal  trimmings, 
and  the  roll  of  purple  velvet,  with  yellow  metal  trimmings. 
*  Head  the  tventy-eighth  chapter  of  Exodus. 


Grand    H.I'  Grand  SeiuVVV  Cravid.Jun.vy 


Sentinel. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS    TEXT-BOOK.  211 

in  the  centre  of  a  double  triangle  of  yellow  metal.  Re- 
galia.—  As  above. 

Jewel  of  a  Grand  Junior  Warden. —  Single  crook 
in  double  triangle  of  yellow  metal.  Regalia.  —  As 
above. 

Jewel  of  a  Grand  Scribe.  —  Crossed  pens  in  double 
triangle  of  yellow  metal.  Regalia.  —  As  above. 

Jewel  of  a  Grand  Treasurer.  —  Crossed  keys  in 
double  triangle  of  yellow  metal.  Regalia.  —  As  above. 

Jewel  of  the  Grand  Sentinels.  —  Cross  swords  in 
double  triangle  of  yellow  metal.  Regalia. —  As  above. 

The  Regalia  of  a  member  of  a  Grand  Encamp- 
ment consists  of  a  purple  collar  and  black  gloves ;  the 
collar  trimmed  with  yellow  lace  or  fringe. 


JEWELS  AND  REGALIA  OF  A  SUBORDINATE  ENCAMPMENT. 

Jewel  of  a  Chief  Patriarch.  —  Crossed  crooks  and 
an  altar,  represented  within  a  single  triangle  of  yellow 
metal.  Regalia. — Purple  collar,  trimmed  with  gold- 
colored  fringe  or  lace,  or  both. 

Jewel  of  a  High-Priest.  —  The  breast-plate,*  within 
a  triangle  of  yellow  metal.  Regalia.  —  High-Priest's 
robe,  etc. 

Jewel  of  a  Senior  Warden.  —  Crossed  crooks  within 
a  triangle  of  yellow  metal.  Regalia.  —  Similar  to 
that  worn  by  the  Chief-Patriarch. 

Jewel  of  a.  Junior  Warden.  —  A  single  crook  withir 
a  triangle  of  yellow  metal.  Regalia.  —  As  above. 

Jewel  of  a  Scribe.  —  Crossed  pens  in  a  triangle  of 
yellow  metal.  Regalia.  —  As  above. 

Jewel  of  a    Treasurer. — Crossed   keys   within   a 
triangle  of  yellow  metal.     Regalia. — As  above. 
*  See  Exodus,  ch.  28. 


212  THE   ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK. 

Jewel  of  a  Sentinel.  —  Crossed  swords  in  a  triangle 
of  metal.  Regalia. — As  above. 

The  Regalia  of  members  of  subordinate  Encamp- 
ments consists  of  purple  collars  and  black  gloves ;  the 
collars  trimmed  with  yellow  lace  or  fringe.  Brothers 
who  have  taken  the  Patriarchal  Degree  only,  and  who 
are  not  therefore  full  members,  wear  a  plain  black  apron 
and  black  gloves. 

P.  C.  Patriarchs  wear  purple  collars  or  sashes, 
trimmed  with  yellow  lace  or  fringe. 


JEWELS  AND  REGALIA  OF  A  SUBORDINATE  LODGE. 

Jewel  of  a  Junior  Past-Grand.  —  A  five-pointed 
star,  representing  the  heart  and  hand  in  the  centre. 
Of  white  metal.  Regalia.  —  A  scarlet  sash  or  collar, 
trimmed  with  white  lace  or  fringe,  or  silver  fringe.* 

Jewel  of  a  Noble-  Grand.  —  Crossed  gavels.  Of 
white  metal.  Regalia.  —  A  scarlet  collar,  trimmed 
with  white. 

Jewel  of  a  Vice -Grand.  —  Hourglass.  Of  white 
metal.  Regalia.  —  A  blue  collar  trimmed  with  white 
or  silver. 

*  Rosettes,  displaying  the  color  of  the  degree  to  which  a 
brother  has  advanced,  or  indicating  the  office  he  may  hold,  may 
be  worn  by  any  member  or  offi.cer  of  a  subordinate  Lodge. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  213 

Jewel  of  the  Secretaries. — Crossed  pens.  Of  white 
metal.  Regalia.  —  A  green  collar,  trimmed  with  while 
or  silver. 

Jewel  of  a  Treasurer.  —  Crossed  keys.  Of  white 
metal.  Regalia.  —  Precisely  similar  to  that  of  the  Sec- 
retaries. 

Jewel  of  a  Chaplain.  —  The  Bible.  Of  white  metaL 
Regalia. — A  white  sash,  which  may  be  trimmed  with 
the  color  of  the  highest  degree  to  which  the  wearer  shall 
have  advanced ;  but  our  impression  is  in  favor  of  pure, 
plain  white  for  this  officer. 

Jewel  of  a  Warden.  —  Crossed  axes.  Of  white  metal. 
Regalia. — A  black  sash. 

Jewel  of  a  Conductor.  —  Crossed  wands.  Of  white 
metal.  Regalia.  —  Similar  to  that  of  the  Warden. 

Jewel  of  the  Guardians.  —  Crossed  swords.  Of  white 
metal.  Regalia.  —  That  of  the  I.  G.,  a  blue  sash.  That 
of  the  0.  G.,  a  scarlet  sash. 

The  Regalia  of  the  R.  and  L.  Supporters  of  the  N.  G. 
consists  of  scarlet  sashes.  That  of  the  R.  and  L.  Sup- 
porters of  the  V.  G.  consists  of  blue  sashes.  That  of  the 
two  Scene  Supporters  consists  of  white  sashes. 

The  Regalia  for  members  of  a  subordinate  Lodge  is 
as  follows : 

For  the  initiatory  degree,  a  plain  white  apron  only. 

For  the  first  degree,  white  collar,  with  White  trim- 
mings. 

For  the  second  degree,  the  same  trimmed  with 
Pink. 

For  the  third  degree,  the  same,  trimmed  with  Blue. 

For  the  fourth  degree,  the  same,  trimmed  with 
Green. 


214  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

For  the  fifth  degree,  the  same,  trimmed  with  Scar 
let. 

Of  these  colors  of  the  several  degrees,  each  one  has 
a  peculiar  significance,  which,  in  our  opinion,  should 
not  be  revealed  to  the  world. 

The  Regalia  of  the  new  Degree  of  Rebekah  con- 
sists of  a  collar  of  pink  and  green.  It  is  used  only  by 
ladies.  These  are  the  colors  of  the  degree,  and  the 
ideas  they  convey  are  most  beautiful  and  emphatic. 

The  Regalia  to  be  used  by  brothers  attending  the 
funeral  of  a  deceased  brother,  is  as  follows  :  —  A  black 
crape  rosette,  having  a  centre  of  the  color  of  the  high- 
est degree  to  which  the  wearer  may  have  attained,  to 
be  worn  on  the  left  breast ;  above  it  a  sprig  of  ever- 
green, and  below  it  (if  the  wearer  be  an  officer  or  past 
officer)  the  jewel  or  jewels  which  as  such  he  may  be 
entitled  to  wear.*  The  ordinary  mourning-badge  to  be 
worn  by  brothers,  in  memory  of  a  deceased  brother,  is 
a  strip  of  black  crape  passed  through  one  button-hole 
of  the  left  lappel  of  the  coat,  and  tied  with  a  narrow 
riband  of  the  color  of  the  highest  degree  to  which  the 
wearer  has  attained. 

Past  officers  and  members  in  possession  of  Encamp- 
ment Degrees,  and  all  other  members  of  the  Order, 
when  visiting  Grand  or  subordinate  Lodges,  are  enti- 
tled to  wear  the  regalia  and  jewels  pertaining  to  the 
highest  degree  which  they  have  taken. 

All  processions  and  balls,  or  other  ceremonies  at 
which  the  regalia  and  jewels,  and  other  emblems  of 

*  The  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment  of  a  State  may  per- 
mit the  Lodge  or  Encampment  regalia  to  be  worn  at  funerals, 
either  in  connection  with  or  as  a  substitute  for  the  above. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  215 

the  Order,  are  to  be  used,  must  be  sanctioned  by  the 
Grand  Lodge,  or,  in  its  recess,  by  the  Grand  Master. 
And  all  publications  made  in  the  newspapers,  calling 
on  the  Order  to  appear  in  regalia,  unless  authorized  as 
above  specified,  are  improper,  and  contrary  to  the  law 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States.  The  un- 
authorized use  of  the  name  of  the  Order  is  strictly  pro- 
hibited. And  all  spirituous,  vinous,  and  malt  liquors 
must  be  excluded  from  the  Lodge-rooms  and  ante- 
rooms or  halls,  connected  with  or  adjoining  thereto, 
under  the  jurisdiction  of  any  Subordinate  or  Degree 
Lodge  or  Encampment  of  the  Order.  No  Lodge  can 
hold  any  anniversary  or  other  celebration,  ball  or  party, 
where  the  regalia  of  the  Order  is  worn,  or  the  name  of 
the  Order  assumed,  without  the  consent  of  the  Grand 
Master  being  first  obtained  in  writing,  such  permis- 
sion to  be  predicated  only  upon  the  direct  promise  of 
the  officers  of  the  Lodge  seeking  the  permission,  that 
no  intoxicating  beverages  of  any  kind  shall  be  offered 
by  them  to  members  or  guests  present  on  the  occasion. 
It  is  a  matter  of  much  gratification  that,  within  the  last 
few  years,  the  brotherhood  has  so  far  seen  the  impropri- 
ety of  too  much  display,  as  to  regard  the  wishes  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  respecting  public  demonstrations.  The 
ceremonies  and  processions  of  the  Order  are  now  com- 
paratively rare,  and  are  almost  invariably  directed  or 
allowed  by  a  State  Grand  body.  Thus  they  are  ren- 
dered serviceably  attractive,  and  being  less  frequent, 
are  more  largely  attended.  With  respect  to  the  at- 
tendance at  funerals  of  brothers  deceased,  what  can  be 
more  in  keeping  with  the  solemnity  of  the  occasion 
than  the  simple,  unassuming,  yet  expressive  black  crapr 
rosette  and  the  sprig  of  evergreen  ? 


216  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


THE  A.  T.  P.  W. 

THIS  was  adopted  for  the  protection  of  the  Order, 
and  is  one  of  the  tests  by  which  travelling-brothers  are 
proven.  It  is  designed  for  the  use  of  brethren  who  are 
travelling  beyond  the  limits  of  the  jurisdiction  of  Lodges 
or  Encampments  to  which  they  belong;  and  all  Noble- 
Grands  and  Vice-Grands  of  Lodges,  and  all  Chief- 
Patriarchs  and  Senior  Wardens  of  Encampments,  are 
possessed  of  it,  in  order  that  they  may  be  qualified  either 
to  give  or  receive  it.  The  Grand-Master  and  Grand- 
Patriarch  of  a  state,  and  their  regular  deputies,  possess 
it ;  and  none  other  than  members  who  are  placed  in 
some  of  the  positions  above  mentioned  are  entitled  to 
receive  it.  It  is  originated  by  the  Grand-Sire,  is 
changed  yearly,  and  goes  into  use  on  the  first  day  of 
January  of  each  year.  It  is  communicated  by  the 
Grand-Sire  to  the  Grand  Representatives  at  each  an- 
nual session,  and  delivered  by  them  in  their  several 
states  to  the  Grand-Master  and  Grand-Patriarch,  who 
deliver  it  to  their  deputies,  and  through  them  to  the 
officers  of  Lodges  and  Encampments,  as  above  stated. 

Brothers  who  may  procure  a  visiting  card  for  the 
purpose  of  visiting  Lodges  or  Encampments  in 
other  states,  receive  it  in  connection  with  the  card. 
As  a  general  rule,  it  can  only  be  given  by  a  Noble- 
Grand  or  Chief-Patriarch  to  the  members  of  their 
own  bodies  respectively;  but  when  brothers  are 
called  from  home  suddenly,  without  time  to  make  per- 
sonal application  for  their  visiting  cards,  it  is  customary 
to  accompany  the  card,  when  sent  to  the  brother,  by  a 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  217 

letter,  over  the  seal  of  the  Lodge  or  Encampment,  from 
the  principal  officer  of  the  body  granting  it,  to  the 
Noble-Grand  or  Chief-Patriarch  of  some  Lodge  or 
Camp  in  the  place  where  the  travelling  brother  is  tem- 
porarily resident,  conveying  (through  said  letter)  a 
request  that  the  T.  P.  W.  be  communicated  to  the 
brother,  who  will,  of  course,  be  entitled  to  receive  it  in 
such  manner. 


CARDS. 

A  BROTHER  who  may  desire  to  visit  other  Lodges 
or  Camps  out  of  his  district,  or  who  may  wish  to  with- 
draw from  his  Lodge  or  Encampment,  receives  a  card, 
certifying  that  he  is  entitled  to  the  privileges  and  ad- 
vantages of  an  Odd-Fellow.  Any  brother  who  may 
wish  to  withdraw  from  the  Order,  can  at  any  time  do 
so  by  offering  to  his  Lodge  a  written  resignation  ;  he 
is  not  bound,  in  such  case,  to  take  a  card  of  with- 
drawal. If  he  shall  take  a  withdrawal-card,  which  is 
always  good  for  one  year  (during  which  time  he  may 
become  a  member  of  any  other.  Lodge  or  Camp), 
he  is  amenable  during  that  year  to  the  Lodge  or  Camp 
whence  the  card  emanated,  "  whose  duty  it  is  to  watch 
over  his  conduct."*  These  cards  are  furnished  by 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States,  and  are  signed 
by  the  Secretary  of  that  body.  They  are  also  signed 
by  the  Noble-Grand  and  Secretary  of  a  Lodge,  or  the 
Chief-Patriarch  and  Scribe  of  an  Encampment,  grant- 
ing them.  And  they  must  always  be  signed,  also,  in 

*  The  Lodge  or  Encampment  granting  a  visiting  or  with- 
drawal card,  has  power  to  recall  or  annul  the  same  for  good 
cause. — DIGKST,  p.  37. 
19 


218  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

the  margin,  by  the  names  of  the  brothers  receiving 
them.  The  wife  or  widow  of  a  member  of  a  subordi- 
nate Lodge  may,  by  a  vote  of  two  thirds  of  the  mem- 
bers present,  receive  a  card,  expressly  adapted  for  her 
use,  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States,  which 
is  to  be  signed  i.j  manner  above  noted,  with  the  addition 
of  the  signature  of  the  Vice-Grand.  Such  card,  granted 
to  the  wife  of  a  member,  can  not  remain  in  force  more 
than  one  year ;  but  if  granted  to  a  widow,  it  continues 
valid  during  her  widowhood.  The  following  is  the 
form  of  this  card  : — 

"  Friendship,  Love,  and  Truth. 
•'INDEPENDENT  ORDER  OF  ODD-FELLOWS. 

"  To  ALL  TO  WHOM  THESE  PRESENTS  SHALL  COME,  GREETING! 

"  This  certifies  that  Mrs.  E.  C.,  whose  name  is  endorsed  on 
the  margin  of  this  card  in  her  own  proper  handwriting,  is  the  wife 
[or  the  widow]  of  our  well-beloved  brother,  who  is  [or  was]  a 
member  of  Lodge  No.  — ,  held  at  blank,  and  working  under 
authority  of  a  charter  duly  granted  by  authority  of  the  Right 
Worthy  Grand  Lodge  of  the  state  of  blank.  We  therefore  rec- 
ommend her  to  your  friendship  and  protection  wherever  she 
may  be,  throughout  the  world,  for  the  space  of  blank,  and  no 
longer. 

"In  witness  whereof,  we  have  subscribed  our  names,   and 
affixed  the  seal  of  our   Lodge,  this  blank  day  of  blank,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty-one. 
[L.  s.]  "  A.  B.,  NOBLE-GRAND. 

"  C.  D.,  VICE-GRAND. 

"  G.  F.,  Secretary." 

The  object  of  furnishing  this  recommendation  is  one 
wliich  must  commend  itself  to  the  approbation  of  all 
men.  She  who  possesses  it  is  entitled  to  receive  the 
friendship  and  protection  of  those  who  claim  the  privi- 
lege of  watching,  not  only  over  their  brethren,  but  also 
over  all  who  are  near  and  dear  to  those  brethren. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  219 

BROTHEES  TRAVELLING* 

A  BROTHER  travelling,  who  may  desire  to  visit  a 
Lodge  or  Encampment,  must  be  in  possession  of  a 
card  and  the  A.  T.  P.  W.  He  presents  himself  at  the 
door,  and  sends  his  card  to  the  presiding  officer,  who 
appoints  a  committee  of  three  to  examine  the  visitor. 
In  a  Lodge,  one  member  of  this  committee  must  be 
either  the  Noble-Grand  himself,  the  Vice-Grand,  or  a 
brother  known  to  be  in  possession  of  the  A.  T.  P.  W., 
and  the  other  two  members  must  beof  theScarletDegree. 
In  an  Encampment,  one  member  must  be  either  the 
Chief-Patriarch  himself,  the  Senior  Warden,  or  a  pa- 
triarch known  to  be  in  possession  of  the  A.  T.  P.  W., 
and  the  other  members  must  be  of  the  Royal-Purple 
Degree.  These  committees  examine  the  brother  in  the 
A.  T.  P.  W.,  and  in  the  Degree  in  which  the  Lodge 
or  Encampment  is  open  ;  and,  if  satisfied,  introduce 
him  to  the  meeting.  Brothers  can  visit  Lodges  or 
Encampments  without  this  form,  if  introduced  by  a 
Grand  Representative,  or  other  elective  Grand  Officer, 
of  the  jurisdiction  under  which  they  wish  to  visit.  In 
no  other  way,  except  as  above  stated,  can  a  brother 
enter  a  Lodge  or  Encampment  to  which  he  is  not 
attached,  unless  it  be  located  in  the  state  or  jurisdiction 
in  which  his  own  Lodge  or  Encampment  is  working. 
It  is  important  that  this  fact  be  well  understood  by 
Odd-Fellows. 

*  When  a  visiting  card  is  granted  to  a  brother  not  beneficial 
from  any  cause,  the  Secretary  should  be  particular  in  stating  tho 
fact;  otherwise,  should  the  brother  be  taken  sick  and  apply  to  any 
Lodge  or  Encampment  for  benefits,  the  body  issuing  the  card  must 
refund  the  amount  advanced. 


RESOLUTIONS. 

OF  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States  on  the 
restoration  of  suspended  members,  passed  at  the  Annual 
Communication  of  that  body  in -the  city  of  Baltimore, 
September,  1870,  which  supersede  all  laws  of  Grand  or 
Subordinate  Lodges  or  Encampments,  and  must  govern 
in  all  cases  of  restoration  of  suspended  members. 

Resolved,  That  a  member  of  the  Order  who  becomes  in  arrears 
for  dues  for  the  period  of  one  year,  may  be  suspended  or  dropped 
from  membership,  but  he  cannot  be  expelled  from  the  Order  on 
account  of  being  in  arrears  for  dues. 

Resolved,  That  a  member  suspended  or  dropped  from  member- 
ship for  non-payment  of  dues,  may  be  reinstated  in  the  Lodge 
or  Encampment  from  which  he  has  been  suspended  or  dropped, 
within  one  year  after  suspension,  by  paying  the  amount  of  one 
year's  dues,  and  being  reinstated  in  the  manner  prescribed  by 
the  local  law. 

Resolved,  That  after  one  year  from  the  date  of  suspension,  a 
member  dropped  or  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  may  be 
reinstated  upon  the  payment  of  the  fee  charged  for  an  initiate 
of  the  same  age,  as  prescribed  by  the  By-Laws. 

Resolvtd,  That  a  member  suspended  or  dropped  from  member- 
ship for  non-payment  of  dues,  and  who  makes  application  for 
reinstatement  and  for  a  withdrawal  card,  for  the  purpose  of 
uniting  with  another  Lodge  or  Encampment  in  the  same  juris- 
diction, may  be  reinstated  and  granted  a  final  card  at  any  time 
within  five  years  from  the  date  of  suspension,  upon  the  payment 
of  one  year's  dues  and  the  usual  price  of  a  card. 

Resolved,  That  a  member  suspended  or  dropped  for  non-pay- 
ment of  dues,  after  five  years'  suspension,  wishing  to  join  a 
Lodge  or  Encampment  in  the  same  jurisdiction,  shall  be  entitled 
to  receive,  and  the  Lodge  or  Encampment  shall  grant,  upon 
proper  application,  a  Dismissal  Certificate,  upon  the  receipt  of 
one  dollar. 

Resolved,  That  a  member  suspended  or  dropped  for  non-pay- 
ment of  dues,  wishing  to  regain  membership  in  another  jurisdic- 
tion than  that  in  which  he  was  suspended  or  dropped,  shall  be 
entitled  to  receive,  and  the  Lodge  or  Encampment  to  which  he 
belonged  shall  grant,  upon  proper  application,  a  Dismissal  Cer- 
tificate upon  the  receipt  of  one  dollar. 

Resolved,  That  in  all  cases  wherein  a  Lodge  or  Encampment 
has  refused  to  reinstate  a  member  suspended  or  dropped  for 
non-payment  of  dues,  he  shall  be  entitled  to  receive,  and  the 
Lodge  or  Encampment  shall,  upon  proper  application,  grant  a 
Dismissal  Certificate  upon  the  receipt  of  one  dollar. 

Resolved,  That  where  the  books  of  an  extinct  Lodge  or  En- 
campment have  been  lost  or  destroyed,  the  Grand  Secretary  or 
Grand  Scribe,  as  the  case  may  be,  upon  being  satisfied  of  the 
good  standing  of  any  member  of  such  extinct  Lodge  or  Encamp- 
ment, may  issue  to  him  a  card  of  withdrawal.  Where  the  books 
of  a  defunct  Lodge  or  Encampment  are  in  the  possession  of  a 

220 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  221 

Grand  Scribe  or  Grand  Secretary,  he  may  issue  cards  to  former 
members  of  the  defunct  Subordinate;  such  cards  shall  have  the 
same  privilege  as  a  card  issued  by  an  existing  Subordinate. 

Resolved,  That  Dismissal  Certificates  may  be  received  upon 
deposit  in  any  Lodge  or  Encampment,  as  the  case  may  be,  but 
the  privilege  of  visiting  a  Lodge  or  Encampment  shall  not  be 
awarded  to  the  holder  of  a  Dismissal  Certificate.  The  Certificate 
shall  be  provided  by  the  Grand  Corresponding  and  Recording 
Secretary,  and  be  sold  as  other  supplies  are  sold,  and  at  the 
same  rate  as  Cards.  Dismissal  Certificates  shall  be  in  the  form 
following,  to  wit: 

INDEPENDENT  ORDER  OF  ODD-FELLOWS. 
To  all  whom  it  may  concern,  Fraternally  Greeting: 

THIS  CERTIFIES  that was  admitted  to  member- 
ship in ,  No. ,  at ,  in  the 

State  of ...  ,  on  the  day  of  ...., 

18 ,  and  by  ...  ,  and  that  he  retained  hiis  mem- 
bership in  said  until  the day  of , 

18  ,  when  he  was  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues,  and  he 
is  entirely  dismissed  from  membership  in  said 

In  witness  whereof,  we  have  hereunto  subscribed  our  names 
and  affixed  the  seal  of  the  3  this  day  of 

,  A.  D.  18.. 

[SEAL.] 

Resolved,  That  all  laws,  or  provisions  thereof,  that  are  incon- 
sistent with  the  above  General  Laws,  conditions,  and  regula- 
tions, are  hereby  abrogated  or  repealed. 

Resolved,  That  in  cases  where  the  law  makes  it  obligatory  upon 
Lodges  to  grant  Dismissal  Certificates  to  brothers  suspended  or 
dropped  for  non-payment  of  dues,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Noble-Grand  and  Recording  Secretary  to  issue  such  certificates, 
upon  proper  application  in  open  Lodge  and  payment  of  the  fee, 
without,  a  vote  of  the  Lodge. 

Resolved,  That  non-affiliated  Odd-Fellows  who  have  been  regu- 
larly initiated  in  the  Order,  and  have  retained  membership 
therein  for  at  least  ten  consecutive  years,  and  who,  at  the  time 
of  making  application  for  reinstatement  or  membership,  shall 
be  over  fifty  years  of  age,  may  be  admitted  to  membership  in 
any  Lodge  or  Encampment,  as  non-beneficial  members,  upon 
such  terms  as  the  local  law  may  prescribe. 

The  amendment  providing  that  a  member  of  the  Order  sus- 
pended or  expelled  from  a  Lodge  or  Encampment  in  any  jurisdic- 
tion or  sovereignty  shall  not  be  admitted  to  membership  in  a 
Lodge  or  Encampment  in  another  jurisdiction  or  sovereignty  with- 
out the  previously  obtained  consent  of  the  Lodge  or  Encampment 
from  which  he  is  suspended  or  expelled  ;  provided,  however,  that 
members  suspended  or  dropped  for  the  non-payment  of  dues  only 
may  be  admitted  to  membership  in  another  jurisdiction  or  sover- 
eignty upon  such  conditions  and  under  such  rules  and  regulations 
as  the  Grand  Lodge  may  have  prescribed,  or  may  at  any  time 
adopt,  was  adopted. 


222  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


CEREMONY  OF  LAYING  THE  CORNER- 
STONE OF  AN  ODD-FELLOWS'  HALL. 

IF  a  Grand  Encampment  participates,  the  ceremony  must  be 
performed  by  the  Grand  Patriarch  or  a  Past  Grand  Patriarch. 

If  a  Grand  Encampment  does  not  participate,  and  a  Grand 
Lodge  does,  the  Grand  Master  or  a  Past  Grand  Master  must  per- 
form the  ceremony. 

If  a  Subordinate  Encampment  participates  with  or  without  a 
Subordinate  Lodge,  the  Chief  Patriarch,  or  a  Past  Chief  Patri- 
arch, shall  perform  the  ceremony. 

If  a  Subordinate  Lodge  alone  turns  out,  the  Noble  Grand,  or  a 
Past  Grand,  shall  perform  the  ceremony. 

Should  the  ceremony  be  performed  by  the  Grand  Sire  or  his 
Deputy,  the  title  of  that  officer  must  be  substituted  for  Grand 
Patriarch  or  Grand  Master,  as  the  case  may  be. 

An  officer,  duly  commissioned  and  officiating  for  a  Grand  Pa- 
triarch or  a  Grand  Master,  or  as  Chief  Patriarch  or  Noble  Grand, 
must  be  addressed  by  the  title  of  the  officer  he  represents. 

When  the  Grand  Master,  or  other  Grand  Officer,  officiates,  he, 
with  the  other  Grand  Officers  and  members  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
present,  will  assemble  with  the  brethren  at  the  regular  Lodge- 
room,  or  at  some  appropriate  place,  and  proceed  in  procession, 
in  regalia,  to  the  place  of  ceremony. 

The  procession  will  be  formed  as  for  ordinary  occasions,  ex- 
cept that  the  Secretary,  Scribe,  or  Grand  Secretary,  or  Grand 
Scribe,  as  the  case  may  be,  will  carry  the  documents,  &c.,  for 
deposit  in  the  box  ;  the  Treasurer^  or  Grand  Treasurer,  will  carry 
the  box  to  be  deposited  in  the  corner-stone;  the  Chaplain  will 
carry  the  open  Bible,  on  which  is  laid  a  wreath  of  flowers;  the 
Grand  Warden  will  carry  a  silver  vessel  containing  water;  the 
Grand  Conductor  will  carry  a  silver  vessel  containing  wheat, 
and  the  Grand  Master  will  carry  the  gavel. 

The  procession,  on  reaching  a  convenient  distance  from  the 
place  of  destination,  will  halt  and  open  to  the  right  and  left,  so 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  223 

as  to  allow  the  principal  officers  to  pass  through.  The  remainder 
of  the  brethren,  closing  up  in  reversed  order,  will  pass  three 
times  around  the  site  of  the  building,  (if  convenient,)  while  the 
officiating  officers  take  their  places  on  a  raised  platform,  erected 
contiguous  to  the  north-east  angle  of  the  building,  where  the 
corner-stone  is  to  be  laid. 

Grand  Master.  —  My  brethren,  we  have  assembled  on 
this  occasion  to  perform  an  interesting  and  important 
ceremony ;  one  which  we  trust  will  have  its  proper  influ- 
ence on  your  hearts  and  minds.  The  spot  on  which  we 
stand  has  been  selected  upon  which  to  erect  a  Temple  to 
be  consecrated  to  the  great  principles  of  our  Order ;  and 
we  are  here  to-day  to  inaugurate  the  enterprise  by  laying 
the  first  foundation,  or  corner-stone,  in  the  structure  with 
the  solemn  ceremonies  befitting  such  an  occasion. 

The  work  so  auspiciously  begun  can  be  consummated 
only  by  persevering  effort  and  patient  industry;  and 
we  should  enter  upon  it  with  a  determination  to  carry 
it  forward  to  completion,  until  its  cap-stone  shall  be 
brought  with  rejoicings  and  the  edifice  shall  present 
beauty,  symmetry,  and  proportion  every  way  adapted  to 
the  uses  and  purposes  for  which  it  is  designed. 

Before  proceeding  to  the  immediate  duties  of  the  occa- 
sion, it  is  right  and  proper  that  we  invoke  the  Divine 
blessing,  without  which  no  good  work  can  succeed.  Our 
Grand  Chaplain  will  now  address  the  Throne  of  Grace. 

The  Grand  Master  gives  three  raps  with  the  gavel. 

Grand  Chaplain.  —  O  Thou  who  didst  lay  the  founda- 
tions of  the  earth,  and  in  whom  alone  we  live,  and  move, 
and  have  our  being,  we  beseech  Thee  of  Thy  great  good- 
ness to  command  Thy  blessing  to  rest  upon  the  work 
which  we  this  day  begin.  Honor  it  with  Thine  approv- 
ing smile,  and  prosper  it  to  its  final  accomplishment,  and 


224  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

to  the  glory  of  Thy  great  name,  and  the  happiness  of  all 
mankind.    Amen. 

Response  by  the  Brethren.  —  So  may  it  be. 

The  Grand  Secretary  will  then  read  the  record  to  be  de- 
posited in  the  stone,  with  a  list  of  the  documents,  coin,  &c., 
and  hand  the  list,  with  the  articles  to  be  deposited,  to  the  Grand 
Treasurer,  who  will  place  the  same  in  the  box.  The  Grand 
Master,  accompanied  by  the  Grand  Warden,  Grand  Conductor, 
Grand  Chaplain,  and  Grand  Treasurer,  will  then  descend  to  the 
stone.  The  Grand  Treasurer  will  then  present  the  box  to  the 
Grand  Master,  who  will  place  it  in  the  cavity  prepared  for  it, 
and  adjust  the  lid.  The  stone  will  then  be  fitted  accurately  to 
its  place. 

Grand  Master. — (Receiving  from  the  Grand  Warden  the 
vessel  containing  water.}  —  In  the  name  of  Friendship  as 
pure  as  this  water — (sprinkling  it  three  times  upon  the  stone} 
— I  lay  this  corner-stone ;  and  as  it  here  forms  the  basis  of 
this  edifice,  binding  together  in  harmony  and  consistency 
the  component  parts  of  its  superstructure,  so  may  true 
Friendship  ever  constitute  the  foundation  of  our  social 
fabric,  and  unite  the  family  of  man  in  one  fraternal 
brotherhood. 

Response  by  the  Brethren. —  So  may  it  be. 

Grand  Master.  —  (Receiving  from  the  Grand  Chaplain 
the  wreath  of  flowers.} —  In  Love  symbolized  by  these 
flowers — (strewing  them  three  times  over  the  stone)  —  I  lay 
this  corner-stone ;  and  as  it  underlies  and  supports  this 
material  temple,  so  may  Love  ever  be  the  chief  founda- 
tion-stone of  the  moral  Temple  of  our  Order,  and  the 
divine  sentiment  of  Love  ever  animate  the  hearts  of  its 
votaries. 

Response  by  the  Brethren. —  So  may  it  be. 

Grand  Master.  —  (Receiving  from  the  Grand  Conductor 
the  vessel  containing  wheat.} — In  Truth  represented  by  this 
wheat — (strewing  it  three  times  over  the  stone) — I  lay  this 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  225 

corner-stone ;  trusting  that  Truth  may  ever  prevail  over 
error ;  and  that  its  good  seed,  sown  in  our  hearts,  may 
bring  forth  its  peaceful  fruits  in  our  lives.  May  the 
building  here  to  be  erected  for  the  inculcation  of  Truth, 
ever  remain  unshaken  by  the  storms  of  time,  and  our 
beloved  Order  ever  rest  securely  upon  the  Rock  of  Ages. 

Response  by  the  Brethren. —  So  may  it  be. 

Grand  Master. — (Giving  three  blows  with  the  gavel.) — 
In  Benevolence  and  Charity  I  lay  this  corner-stone, 
earnestly  praying  that  as  it  is  firmly  fixed  in  this  solid 
foundation,  so  may  those  cardinal  virtues  immutably  re- 
pose in  our  organization,  and  be  the  constant  practice  of 
our  Order. 

Response  by  the  Brethren. —  So  may  it  be. 

The  Architect  will  then  deliver  a  trowel  with  mortar  to  the 
Grand  Master,  who  shall  spread  it  upon  the  corner-stone,  and 
fix  thereon  a  corresponding  stone. 

Grand  Master. — As  this  cement  binds  together  the 
stones  of  the  wall,  so  may  the  cement  of  brotherly  affec- 
tion bind  us  together  during  all  the  days  of  our  lives 
here  below ;  and  so  may  the  cement  of  Divine  Love,  in 
our  Father's  own  good  time,  unite  us  as  living  stones  in 
the  Temple  above,  the  "house  not  made  with  hands, 
eternal  in  the  heavens." 

Response  by  the  Brethren. —  So  may  it  be. 

The  Grand  Master  and  other  officers  will  then  return  to  the 
platform. 

Grand  Master. —  The  Deputy  Grand  Master  will  now 
make  the  proper  proclamation. 

Deputy  Grand  Master.  —  By  direction  of  the  Most 
Worthy  Grand  Master,  I  declare  this  corner-stone  duly 
laid  according  to  regular  and  ancient  form,  and  the 

P 


226  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

building  that  is  to  rise  upon  it  devoted  to  the  principles 
and  work  of  Odd-Fellowship. 

Grand  Master. — The  Grand  Chaplain  will  now  address 
the  Throne  of  Grace. 

The  Grand  Master  gives  three  blows  with  the  gavel. 

Grand  Chaplain.  —  Almighty  Architect  of  the  Uni- 
verse, who  spake  and  it  was  done,  who  commanded  and 
it  stood  fast,  accept,  we  humbly  pray  Thee,  the  work  of 
our  hands  this  day  performed,  and  strengthen  us,  by  Thy 
blessing,  to  build  upon  this  corner-stone  a  Temple  in 
which  shall  be  taught  the  great  principles  of  Friendship, 
Love  and  Truth,  and  where  Benevolence  and  Charity 
shall  ever  exercise  their  kindly  offices,  and  be  a  safe 
refuge  from  the  deluge  of  man's  passions  and  the  dis- 
cordant elements  of  faction  and  selfishness. 

Let  Thy  blessing  abide  with  those  who  have  zealously 
undertaken  the  work  of  building  this  edifice,  and  may 
they  be  enabled  by  Thy  good  Providence  to  carry  it  for- 
ward to  entire  completion.  Bless,  we  pray  Thee,  those 
who  are  engaged  in  the  construction  of  the  building ; 
preserve  them  by  Thy  mighty  power  from  danger  and 
accident  while  thus  employed.  Surround  them  with  Thy 
protecting  care,  and  may  their  health  and  lives  be  pre- 
cious in  thy  sight  and  keeping. 

We  earnestly  invoke  the  continued  smile  of  Thy  ap- 
proving countenance  upon  our  wide-spread  and  beneficent 
Order.  Give  to  it,  we  beseech  Thee,  the  guidance  of  Thy 
Holy  Spirit,  and  prosper  it  in  the  thing  whereunto 
Thou  hast  ordained  it.  Give  it  success  in  all  its  aims 
and  efforts  to  benefit  mankind.  May  it  ever  build  upon 
the  sure  foundation  of  Truth  and  Righteousness,  and 
ever  exert  a  moral  influence  over  the  minds  and  con- 
sciences of  its  entire  membership. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK,  227 

Command  Thy  rich  blessing  upon  the  poor,  the  needy, 
the  friendless,  and  the  destitute,  and  open  up  the  way 
and  the  means  of  relief.  Bless  the  widow  and  the  orphan 
in  their  affliction,  and  give  unto  us  sympathizing  hearts 
and  open  hands  to  aid  them  and  provide  for  their  wants. 

And  we  pray  Thee,  God  of  Love,  that  the  period  may 
soon  come  when  discord  and  strife  and  war  shall  cease 
from  the  face  of  the  earth,  and  the  reign  of  peace  shall 
be  universally  established  —  when  the  law  of  Love  shall 
enter  all  hearts ;  and  the  nations,  tribes,  and  kindreds  of 
the  earth  shall  be  united  together  as  a  band  of  brothers, 
and  shall  acknowledge  Thee  as  their  Father;  and  to 
Thee  we  will  ascribe  all  majesty,  power,  and  dominion, 
now  and  forever.  Amen. 

Grand  Master. —  Brethren  of ,  the  duty  assigned 

us  has  been  performed.  We  have  begun  a  good  work, 
which  it  remains  for  you  to  finish.  Having  entered  upon 
so  important  an  enterprise,  fail  not  in  carrying  it  forward 
to  success,  which  I  am  confident  you  will  achieve.  I 
trust  you  will  here  erect  a  Temple  worthy  of  being  dedi- 
cated to  the  great  cause  of  Humanity,  and  which  will 
reflect  honor  upon  your  zeal  in  its  behalf. 

The  Grand  Master  gives  three  blows  with  the  gavel. 

Grand  Chaplain. — *  The  Lord  bless  you  and  keep 
you ;  the  Lord  make  his  face  to  shine  upon  you  and  be 
gracious  unto  you  ;  the  Lord  lift  up  his  fatherly  counte- 
nance upon  you,  and  give  you  peace.  Ameii. 

ORATION. 

The  procession  will  then  reform  in  the  same  order,  and  return 
to  the  place  of  starting. 

*  The  benediction  of  the  Grand  Chaplain  may  be  pronounced 
after  the  oration,  if  desired. 


228  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

CEREMONY    OF    LAYING    THE    CORNER. 

STONE  OF  A  CHURCH,  ACADEMY,  OR 

OTHER  PUBLIC  EDIFICE. 

THE  same  general  instructions  as  to  the  proper  officer  to  offici- 
ate, and  for  the  formation  of  the  procession  as  given  for  the  occa- 
sion of  laying  the  corner-stone  of  an  Odd-Fellow's  Hall,  will  apply 
to  the  ceremony  of  laying  the  corner-stone  of  any  Public  Edifice, 
except  that  no  water  or  wheat  is  needed  on  the  occasion. 

CEREMONY. 

The  Lodge  or  Lodges  to  participate  will  be  properly  formed 
in  procession,  and  will  proceed  to  the  foundation  of  the  building. 
On  arriving  at  the  foundation,  the  procession  will  open  to  the 
right  and  left,  and  change  the  rear  to  the  front.  The  Noble 
Grand  will,  with  his  Vice  Grand  and  Supporters,  take  his  posi- 
tion on  a  platform,  to  be  previously  prepared  for  the  purpose,  near 
the  stone — the  Treasurer  and  Secretary  immediately  by  the  stone. 
A  piece  of  music  may  be  performed,  or  an  ode  sung,  after  which 
the  principal  workman  will  address  the  Noble  Grand  as  follows : 

Principal  Workman. —  Most  noble  sir,  being  desirous 
that  the  foundation-stone  of  this  building  should  be  laid 
with  appropriate  ceremonies  by  your  honorable  Order,  I 
have,  therefore,  solicited  your  attendance  upon  the  present 
occasion,  and  hope  that  it  may  be  your  pleasure  to  proceed 
in  the  performance  of  that  service ;  the  necessary  prepara- 
tions are  all  made  and  now  awaiting  your  directions. 

Noble  Grand. —  In  compliance  with  your  request,  so 
politely  tendered,  I  now  proceed  to  discharge  the  duty 
desired,  hoping  that  the  building  which  will  arise  upon 
this  foundation  may  reflect  credit  upon  your  skill,  and 
be  completed  with  satisfaction  to  the  owners  and  profit  to 
the  workmen. 

The  Treasurer  will  then  present  to  the  Noble  Grand  the  things 
to  be  deposited  —  gold  and  silver  coin,  laws  of  the  Order,  and 
other  things.  The  Noble  Grand,  receiving  them,  shall  direct  the 
Treasurer  to  deposit  them  in  the  stone,  naming  them  aloud.  The 
Secretary  will  then  present  the  Noble  Grand  the  copper  plate, 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.      229 

upon  which  must  be  engraven  the  purpose  for  which  the  building 
is  intended,  the  name  and  officers  of  the  Lodge  by  whom  the 
stone  is  laid,  the  day  of  the  month  and  year,  together  with  the 
name  of  the  then  Grand  Sire  of  the  United  States,  Grand  Master 
of  State,  President  of  United  States,  and  Governor  of  State.  The 
Noble  Grand  will  then  direct  the  Secretary  to  put  it  in  its  place, 
after  having  read  aloud  the  inscription.  The  stone  is  then  let 
down  into  its  place,  the  Noble  Grand  proclaiming : 

Noble  Grand. —  In  the  name  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of 

the  United  States,  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  State  of , 

I  pronounce  the  first  stone  of  this  building,  intended  for 
[here  state  its  object],  to  be  laid  in  regular  form  and  order. 

Brethren. —  So  be  it. 

MUSIC. 

AN  ORATION. 

The  procession  will  then  return  to  the  Lodge-room,  and  the 
Lodge  be  dismissed. 

NOTE. — When  the  owner  or  manager  of  any  building  has  invited 
a  Grand  Master  or  Past  Grand  Master  to  lay  the  corner-stone  of 
any  building,  said  Grand  Master  or  Past  Grand  Master,  and  the 
branch  of  the  Order  which  he  represents,  shall  have  precedence. 


FORM  OF  DEDICATION  OF  AN  ODD-FEL- 
LOWS' HALL  OR  LODGE-ROOM. 

This  ceremony  may  be  performed  in  presence  of  a  general  audience, 
or  in  a  Lodge-room,  with  closed  doors.  If  others  than  members 
are  present,  the  honors  will  be  omitted,  and  the  Grand  Officers 
will  enter  in  due  procession,  and  take  their  appropriate  seats. 
If  admission  is  restricted  to  members  of  the  Order,  a  Lodge  will 
first  be  opened  in  due  form,  and  Guardians  stationed  at  the  doors. 
The  Grand  Lodge  Officers,  properly  clothed,  will  form  in  another 
apartment,  and  approach  the  outer  door  at  which  the  G.  Herald 
will  give  the  usual  alarm. 

0.  Gr.  WHO  comes  there? 

a.  H.  The  M.  W.  G.  M.  and  other  Officers  of  the 
II.  W.  Grand  Lodge  of ,  who  desire  to  be  ad- 

20 


230 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS  TEXT-BOOK. 


R.S.  N.G.   L.S. 


WARDEN.        CONDUCTOR. 

a         a 


D 


LODGE-ROOM. 

Adopted  by  the  G,  L.  of  U.  S.,  Session  1872, 


s.s. 


s.s. 


L.S. 


V.G. 


R.S. 


nap 


VESTIBULE,  OR 
RECEPTION  ROOM. 


o 

i 


I.  GUARDIAN. 
""DOOR.™ 


o 


ANTE  OR 


£     PREPARATION  ROOM. 


§2 
o  > 


LOCKER. 


This  Diagram  is  only  intended  to  show  the  position  of  the  various  offi- 
cers of  a  Subordinate  Lodge.  The  location  of  the  doors,  either  to  the 
Lodge-Room  or  to  the  Ante-Room,  or  from  outside  of  the  Vestibule,  can- 
not be  determined.  It  is  not  proposed  to  fix  definitely  which  side  of  the 
K.  G.  the  Secretary  and  Treasurer  shall  sit  or  face,  nor  which  side  of  the 
room  the  K  G.  shall  sit;  but  the  Chaplain,  if  there  is  one,  should  sit 
opposite  the  P.  G. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-LOOK.  231 

mitted,  in  the  name  of  F.,  L.,  and  T.,  for  the  purpose 
of  dedicating  this  Hall  to  the  uses  of  the  I.  0.  of  0.  F., 
and  the  diffusion  of  the  principles  of  Benevolence  and 
Charity. 

0.  Gr.  Enter,  in  the  name  of  F.,  L.,  and  T. 

The  same  dialogue  will  occur  at  the  inner  door,  with  the  I.  G., 
after  which  the  Grand  Lodge  Officers  will  enter  the  room,  and 
take  their  respective  seats,  the  three  brethren  appointed  as 
Heralds  having  seats  in  front  of  the  G.  M.,  when  the  grand  honors 
will  be  given.  The  building  will  then  be  delivered  to  the  G.  M. 
as  follows,  by  the  N.  G.,  (or  Chairman  of  the  Building  Commit- 
tee,) who  deposits  the  keys  of  the  same  upon  the  pedestal. 

N.  Gr.  M.  W.  G.  M.,  the  work  in  which  we  have 
been  engaged  is  now  completed,  and  our  temple  is  at 
last  ready  to  shelter  us  within  its  walls.  But  we  first 
desire  that  you  should  set  it  apart  for  its  sacred  uses, 
and  dedicate  it  to  the  purposes  of  Benevolence  and 
Charity,  according  to  the  solemn  rites  of  our  Order; 
and  we  therefore  deliver  it  into  your  hands. 

Gr.  M.  Brethren,  I  congratulate  you  upon  the  com- 
pletion of  this  beautiful  edifice,  which  we  are  about  to 
dedicate  to  those  cardinal  virtues  which  should  adorn 
and  elevate  humanity,  and  whose  names  we  have  se- 
lected as  the  motto  and  watchword  of  our  beloved 
Order.  Beneath  this  roof  you  are  to  encourage  one 
another  in  the  duties  of  benevolence  and  charity; 
before  this  altar  the  good  works  of  F.,  L.,  and  T.  are 
ever  to  be  presented  as  the  only  acceptable  sacrifice. 
From  hence,  as  from  a  perennial  fountain,  are  to  flow 
the  gentle  streams  of  true  Friendship,  to  gladden  and 
make  green  many  waste  places.  In  this  quiet  retreat 
are  to  be  cultivated  those  flowers  that  Love  unfeigned 
bhall  scatter,  on  the  rugged  pathway  of  life,  under  many 


232  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

bleeding  feet.  Here  is  to  be  sown  the  good  seed  of 
Truth  in  many  hearts,  to  spring  up  and  yield  its  hundred- 
fold harvest.  It  is,  therefore,  not  so  much  this  temple 
made  with  hands  that  should  occupy  our  attention  at 
present,  as  the  great  principles  that  are  here  to  be 
disseminated.  I  hope  and  trust,  brethren,  that  our 
united  efforts,  with  those  of  our  brethren  throughout 
the  globe,  may  lead  to  the  raising  and  adorning  of  a 
still  nobler  Temple,  which  shall  be  consecrated  by  the 
approval  of  the  Supreme  Grand  Master  of  the  Universe, 
without  the  invocation  of  whose  blessing  no  work  should 
be  undertaken. 

6r.  C.  Almighty  God,  the  Maker  of  all  worlds !  whom 
we  are  taught  in  the  abounding  mercy  of  the  later 
dispensation  to  approach  more  nearly,  and  call  by  the 
tender  name,  Father !  we  would  humbly  draw  near  and 
beg  thy  blessing  on  the  work  in  which  we  are  engaged. 
Whatever  is  amiss  in  us,  do  thou  make  right  by  thy 
Divine  power,  and  in  all  things  do  thou  overrule  our 
thoughts  and  deeds  to  thy  greater  glory  and  the  good 
of  our  fellow-men.  Amen. 

PSALM  cxxii. 

G.  M.  I  was  glad  when  they  said  unto  me,  Let  us  go  into  the 
house  of  the  Lord ! 

R.  Our  feet  shall  stand  within  thy  gates,  0  Jerusalem ! 

G.  M.  Jerusalem  is  built  as  a  city  that  is  at  unity  in  itself. 

R.  Whither  the  tribes  go  up,  the  tribes  of  the  Lord,  unto  the 
testimony  of  Israel,  to  give  thanks  unto  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

G.  M.  For  there  are  set  thrones  of  judgment,  the  thrones  of  the 
house  of  David. 

R.  Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem ;  they  shall  prosper  that 
love  thee. 

G.  M.  Peace  be  within  thy  walls,  and  prosperity  within  thy 
palaces. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  233 

R.  For  my  brethren  and  companions'  sakes,  I  will  now  say, 
Peace  be  within  thee ! 

G.  M.  Because  of  the  house  of  the  Lord  our  God,  I  will  seek  thy 
good. 

R.  So  may  it  be. 

The  Lodge  being  called  up,  the  brethren  will  unite  in  singing  the 
Ode,  "Brethren  of  our  Friendly  Order,"  &c.  The  Heralds  will 
then  present  themselves  before  the  G.  M.,  and  receive  from  him, 
the  first,  a  goblet  of  pure  water,  the  second,  a  vase  of  fresh 
flowers,  and  the  third,  a  cup  filled  with  wheat;  after  which  they 
will  take  their  stations  around  the  altar  in  the  centre  of  the  Lodge- 
room,  on  which  rest  the  Holy  Bible  and  the  Charter  of  the  Lodge. 

Ci.  M.  The  brethren  will  be  attentive  while  our 
Heralds  dedicate  this  Hall,  with  solemn  ceremonies,  to 
the  principles  and  uses  of  our  honorable  Order. 
Heralds,  you  will  proceed  in  the  performance  of  your 
duties. 

First  Herald.  In  the  name  of  Friendship,  as  pure, 
refreshing,  and  life-giving  as  this  water,  (sprinkling  it,) 
I  dedicate  this  Hall  to  the  practice  of  that  ennobling 
virtue,  which,  uniting  men  as  brethren,  teaches  them 
to  sustain  that  relation  at  all  times,  each  in  his  turn 
helping  and  helped,  blessing  and  blessed. 

Ci.  M.  Remember  ever,  brethren,  that  sweet  as  the 
gushing  fountain  to  the  weary  pilgrim  on  the  parched 
and  sandy  desert,  is  the  smile  of  a  friend  to  the  wan- 
derer in  life's  thorny  wilderness. 

Cr.  C.  Grant,  0  Heavenly  Father,  that  we  may  each 
BO  live  that  the  spiritual  temple  in  our  hearts  shall  be 
also  sprinkled  with  the  pure  water  of  the  River  of  Life, 
the  streams  whereof  make  glad  the  City  of  our  God. 
Amen. 

Response  by  the  Brethren.  So  may  it  be. 

Second  Herald.  In  the  name  of  Love,  which,  like 
20* 


234  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

these  flowers,  (strewing  them,')  fills  the  common  air 
with  fragrance,  and  beautifies  all  on  which  it  falls,  I 
dedicate  this  Hall  to  the  practice  of  that  highest  virtue, 
which  is  in  itself  the  fulfilling  of  the  law,  teaching  us 
to  visit  the  widow  and  the  fatherless  in  their  affliction, 
to  bind  up  the  broken  heart,  and  to  let  the  oppressed 
go  free. 

G-.  M.  Remember  ever,  brethren,  that  as  the  fra- 
grance of  the  opening  blossoms  restores  the  vigor  of  the 
exhausted  body,  so  do  the  gentle  ministrations  of  love 
recall  life  and  strength  to  the  fainting  spirit. 

6r.  (7.  Grant,  0  Heavenly  Father,  that  we  may  all 
so  direct  our  walk  and  conversation  as  to  hasten  the 
coming  of  the  happy  day  when  the  wilderness  of  man's 
nature  shall  blossom  as  the  rose,  so  that  on  our  dying 
beds  angel  hands  may  scatter  blossoms  from  the  Tree 
of  Life.  Amen. 

R.  So  may  it  be. 

Third  Herald.  (Scattering  wheat.}  In  the  name  of 
Truth,  which,  like  the  grain  sown  broadcast  on  the 
earth,  springs  up  again  an  hundredfold,  for  future  use 
and  blessing,  I  dedicate  this  Hall  to  the  practice  of 
that  most  ennobling  virtue,  which  lies  at  the  foundation 
of  all  other  virtues,  and  which,  devoid  of  guile  and 
hypocrisy,  teaches  us  sincerity  and  plain-dealing  in  all 
our  communications,  and  earnestness  in  the  inculcation 
of  whatever  is  good  and  true. 

6r.  M.  Remember  ever,  brethren,  that  as  this  grain 
furnishes  the  staff  of  the  bodily  life,  so  does  Truth  the 
staff  of  the  Spiritual  life,  without  which  the  inward  man 
pines  and  perishes. 

Cr.  O.  Grant,  0  Heavenly  Father,  that  the  seeds  of 
Truth  that  are  h^re  sown  may  fall  only  upon  good 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  235 

ground,  springing  up  and  bearing  fruit  unto  life  eternal. 
Amen. 

jR.  So  may  it  be. 

First  Herald.  May  we  be  enabled  to  practise  these 
most  noble  virtues,  bound  in  the  threefold  links  of  the 
golden  chain  of  brotherly  affection,  and  may  we  be 
ahvays  actuated  by  the  blessed  spirit  of  that  FRIEND- 
SHIP that  speaks  the  TRUTH  in  LOVE. 

Gr.  M.  "Let  brotherly  love  continue !"  As  brothers 
may  we  together  cultivate  all  those  virtues  that  adorn 
humanity ;  as  brothers  may  we  pass  through  the  jour- 
ney of  life ;  and  as  brothers  enter,  in  fraternal  embrace, 
the  dark  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death. 

Gr.  O.  And  may  brotherly  love  continue  beyond  the 
tomb!  When  He  who  sent  us  shall  have  called  us 
home  to  render  our  final  account,  may  we  all  meet  as 
brothers  in  that  house  not  made  with  hands,  in  that 
celestial  Lodge  whose  members  no  tongue  can  number, 
and  the  Master  of  which  is  the  Father  of  the  spirits 
of  all  flesh. 

First  Herald.  In  the  name  of  the  Great  Creator 
of  the  Universe,  unto  whom  all  hearts  belong,  and 
whose  All-seeing  Eye  watches  over  every  action,  we 
dedicate  this  Hall  to  the  purposes  of  BENEVOLENCE 
and  CHARITY. 

Second  Herald.  In  the  name  of  the  Giver  of  every 
good  gift,  to  whom  we  are  day  by  day  indebted  for  all 
that  crowns  our  life  with  blessing,  and  who  has  given 
us  for  our  guide  the  Golden  Rule,  we  dedicate  this 
Hall  to  the  visitation  of  the  sick  and  the  relief  of  the 
distressed. 

Third  Herald.  In  the  name  of  the  Heavenly  Father, 
without  whom  not  a  sparrow  falls  to  the  ground,  arid 


236  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

who  has  promised  us  that  in  the  day  of  sore  trial  He 
•will  be  the  Father  of  the  fatherless,  and  the  widow'? 
God,  we  dedicate  this  Hall  to  the  burial  of  the  dead, 
the  relief  of  the  widow,  and  the  education  of  the 
orphan. 

G-.  C.  We  humbly  beseech  thee,  0  God,  to  bless  the 
work  in  which  we  have  now  been  engaged.  Let  the 
lessons  we  have  received  sink  deep  into  our  hearts,  so 
that  this  shall  have  been  to  us  no  idle  ceremony,  but 
a  means  of  edification  in  righteousness,  and  truth,  and 
humanity.  May  we  all  leave  this  place  with  our  good 
resolutions  strengthened,  our  charities  enlarged,  and 
our  hearts  expanded  in  all-embracing  love  toward  our 
brethren  of  every  tongue  and  clime.  Bless,  0  Heavenly 
Father,  the  Order  of  which  we  are  members.  Aid  us 
in  the  good  work  of  Benevolence  and  Charity,  to  which 
we  are  pledged,  and  give  direction  and  success  to  our 
efforts.  Bless  this  edifice  in  the  promotion  of  the  good 
objects  to  which  it  has  this  day  been  set  apart.  Let 
thy  protecting  care  be  over  the  brethren  who  here  shall 
meet  together.  Keep  their  feet  upon  the  right  path, 
and  guide  them  by  thy  power  in  the  way  everlasting. 
Make  them  faithful  to  their  duties,  and  zealous  in  every 
good  word  and  work,  so  that  when  the  solemn  close  of 
life  comes,  the  soul  of  each  may  be  stayed  upon  thee, 
in  the  hope  of  the  gospel  of  redeeming  love.  And  unto 
thee,  our  God  and  Father,  be  ascribed  glory  and  do- 
minion and  power,  world  without  end.  Amen. 

R.  So  may  it  be! 

The  brethren  will  then  unite  in  singing  the  Dedication  Ode  No.  1, 
after  which  the  Heralds  will  advance  to  the  pedestal,  and  deposit 
their  vases. 

First  Herald.  M.  W.  G.  M.,  in  obedience  to  your 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  237 

instructions,  we  have  duly  dedicated  this  Hall  to  the 
principles  and  work  of  Odd-Fellowship. 

Gr.  M.  This  Hall  being  duly  dedicated,  according  to 
the  solemn  rites  of  our  Order,  the  brethren  will  be 
attentive  while  our  R.  W.  D.  G.  M.  and  G.  W.  make 
proclamation  of  the  same. 

D.  G-.  M.  In  the  name  of  the  R.  W.  Grand  Lodge  of 

the  State  of ,  and  by  direction  of  the 

M.  W.  G.  M.  of  the  same,  I  declare  this  Hall  dedicated 
and  set  apart  to  the  good  purposes  of  Odd-Fellowship : 
to  the  dissemination  of  Friendship,  Love,  and  Truth: 
to  the  cultivation  of  the  principles  of  Benevolence 
and  Charity:  to  the  protection  of  the  widow  and  the 
fatherless,  and  the  relief  of  all  worthy  and  distressed 
brethren ! 

jR.  So  may  it  be. 

The  G.  W.  will  repeat  the  same  from  his  station,  after  which  the 
brethren  will  sing  Ode  No.  2. 

Gr.  M.  (First  calling  down  the  L.)  My  brethren,  I 
trust  that  the  solemn  ceremonies  of  this  occasion  may 
not  be  lost  upon  our  hearts.  In  setting  apart  this  Hall 
for  its  noble  purposes,  we  have  renewed  our  vows  to 
practise  conscientiously  the  lessons  of  our  belovedOrder. 
Let  us  never  forget  the  imperative  command  of  our 
laws,  "to  visit  the  sick,  to  relieve  the  distressed,  to 
bury  the  dead,  and  to  educate  the  orphan."  Let  us 
not  forget,  moreover,  that,  beside  these  good  works  of 
charity,  Odd-Fellowship  has  high  and  important  lessons 
to  inculcate ;  lessons  that,  if  attentively  listened  to  and 
practised  by  all,  would  elevate  the  character  of  man, 
and  hasten  the  coming  of  the  promised  day  of  universal 
peace  and  love.  Brethren  of ,  we  now  again 


238  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

deliver  into  your  hands  this  beautiful  temple  you  have 
elevated  to  our  Order.  Joy  be  within  its  walls,  and 
Peace  a  constant  guest!  May  these  walls  never  echo 
with  the  sound  of  an  angry  or  unkind  word !  May  all 
the  influences  that  flow  hence  be  good  and  for  good, 
now  and  forever !  Amen. 

R.  So  may  it  be ! 

Cr.  O.  Now  unto  Him  who  is  able  to  keep  you  from 
falling,  and  to  present  you  faultless  before  the  presence 
of  his  glory  with  exceeding  joy,  I  commend  you  and  the 
whole  family  of  man.  And  to  Him,  the  only  wise  God, 
our  Saviour,  be  glory  a,nd  majesty,  dominion  and  power, 
now  and  forever.  Amen. 

The  L.  will  then  be  raised,  and  the  Grand  Lodge  Officers  will 
retire  in  due  form,  after  which  the  L.  will  close. 


FORM   OF   DEDICATION  OF   AN  ODD-FEL- 
LOWS'   CEMETERY   OR  BURIAL-LOT.* 

The  brethren  having  assembled  in  some  appropriate  place  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  Cemetery,  a  procession  will  be  formed  in  due 
order,  and  proceed  to  the  place  selected  for  the  ceremony,  passing 
around  the  ground  three  times,  if  the  situation  permits.  The 
Officers  will  take  their  station  upon  a  raised  platform. 

Cr.  M.  IT  is  not  necessary  that  I  should  remind  any 
good  and  faithful  Odd-Fellow  that  the  great  primal 

*  This  form  is  framed  for  the  use  of  a  Grand  Lodge  or  its  Officers. 
It  may  be  used,  however,  by  a  D.  D.  G.  M.,  or  by  the  N.  G.  of  a 
Lodge,  when  circumstances  prevent  the  attendance  of  the  Grard 
Officers. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  239 

command  of  our  Order  is  fourfold,  and  includes  four 
principal  heads  of  duty.  Equal  in  prominence  and 
binding  force  to  any  of  the  others,  is  the  solemn  injunc- 
tion to  "bury  the  dead."  In  order  to  understand  why 
the  founders  of  our  Brotherhood  insisted  so  strongly 
upon  this  important  duty,  we  must  recur  to  the  fact  that 
it  had  its  origin  among  a  poor  and  oppressed  population, 
where  the  hard  struggle  of  a  brave  and  virtuous  life  too 
often  ended  in  an  unpitied  death  and  a  pauper's  grave. 
Therefore  it  was  that  when  men  first  bound  themselves 
together  in  mutual  helpfulness,  under  the  then  singular 
name  of  Odd-Fellows,  they  entered  into  a  solemn  cove- 
nant to  provide  each  member  and  his  wife,  at  their 
death,  with  the  means  of  decent  Christian  sepulture. 
To  the  praise  of  our  Order,  this  duty  has  never  been 
neglected.  Large  sums  are  annually  expended  in  its 
due  performance.  Not  only  has  want  been  relieved, 
sickness  alleviated,  and  the  eyes  of  the  dying  closed  in 
peace  by  friendly  hands,  but  the  care  of  the  brethren 
has  followed  him  to  his  place  of  sepulture,  and  a  crowd 
of  sympathizing  friends  has  stood  around  the  poor  man's 
open  grave.  Not  only  has  the  sufferer,  fallen  faint  by 
the  wayside,  been  lifted  up  and  ministered  unto  with 
kindliest  offices,  but  men  have  often  been  made  to 
wonder  on  seeing  a  band  of  mourning  brethren  follow 
to  the  tomb  a  stranger,  unknown  to  any  in  their  neigh- 
borhood except  in  the  bonds  of  our  mystic  tie.  This 
is  as  it  should  be,  and  as  I  trust  it  ever  will  be.  The 
comparative  easiness  of  condition  of  the  brethren  in  our 
more  favored  land,  does  not  lighten  one  jot  the  obliga- 
tion of  this  duty.  In  the  great  and  just  equality  of 
our  Order,  the  same  provision  is  made  for  all,  and  to 
all  must  it  be  promptly  and  without  stint  extended. 


240  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

But  the  closeness  with  which  we  are  drawn  together 
in  life  in  the  bonds  of  our  brotherhood,  has  created  also 
a  desire  that  there  should  be  provided  for  our  mortal 
remains  a  common  resting-place,  where  we  may  lie 
down  together  to  await  the  solemn  summons  of  the 
Great  Day,  and  where  the  poor  and  needy  as  well  as  the 
stranger  may  repose  among  brethren  and  no  longer  be 
thrust  out  as  unclean  things.  Apart  from  the  con- 
sideration of  economy  in  obtaining  a  cheap  and  beau- 
tiful place  of  burial,  (while  the  great  cost  of  interment, 
especially  in  cities  and  large  towns,  renders  it  otherwise 
an  onerous  tax  upon  the  survivors,)  there  is  a  justness 
and  propriety  in  this  arrangement,  which  commends  it 
to  the  heart  of  every  sincere  brother.  Already,  in 
contemplating  our  fraternity,  men  have  been  made  to 
say,  as  they  did  of  the  early  Christians,  "Behold  how 
these  love  one  another!"  Let  them  also  be  made  to 
say,  as  David  did  of  Saul  and  Jonathan,  "In  life  they 
were  joined  together,  in  death  they  are  not  divided!" 

And  now,  brethren,  we  are  met  to  dedicate  to  its 
sacred  uses  this  city  of  the  dead,  this  "God's-acre," 
as  our  thoughtful  ancestors  fitly  named  it.  Remember 
that  this  dedication  is  no  unmeaning  rite.  It  means 
that  this  ground  is  solemnly  set  apart,  in  covenant  with 
God  and  man,  to  its  holy  purposes,  never  to  be  diverted 
to  any  other  until  the  last  trumpet  shall  sound  and  the 
dead  shall  arise  incorruptible.  To  the  attainment  of 
which  end  let  us  now  unite  in  supplicating  the  Divine 
blessing. 

Gr.  (7.  Be  with  us,  0  God,  in  the  solemn  services  of 
this  day.  Compose  our  thoughts  into  the  solemn  sober- 
ness that  befits  the  occasion.  Purify  our  hearts,  elevate 
our  desires,  and  make  us  fit  for  thy  service.  Bless,  we 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  241 

beseech  thee,  the  work  in  which  we  are  engaged,  and 
give  us  strength  to  keep  in  faithfulness  forever  the 
obligations  we  now  assume.  Amen. 

Cr.  M.  The  brethren  will  be  attentive  while  our  R.  W. 
D.  G.  M.  dedicates  this  ground,  with  solemn  ceremonies, 
to  the  uses  of  our  beloved  Order. 

D.  Cr,  M.  (Before  whom  there  is  placed  a  shovel  or 
other  instrument,  filled  with  fresh  earth.)  In  the  name 
of  the  R.  W.  Grand  Lodge  of  the  I.  0.  of  0.  F.  of 

,  and  by  authority  of  the  M.  W.  G.  M.  of  the 

same,  I  hereby  solemnly  dedicate  and  set  apart  this 
ground  to  the  burial  of  all  good  Odd-Fellows,  their 
families  and  friends,  and  to  no  other  purpose  whatever, 
while  the  world  stands ;  so  that  here  their  remains  may 
rest  in  undisturbed  security  until  the  last  great  day, 
and  that  here  we  may  come,  amid  the  gentle  stillness  of 
nature,  to  mourn  over  the  loved  and  lost  whom  we  have 
deposited  in  the  silent  tomb,  (strewing  the  earth,) "  earth 
to  earth,  ashes  to  ashes,  dust  to  dust!" 

Cr.  M.  Yet  not  to  sorrow  as  those  that  are  without 
hope !  For  we  know  that  our  Redeemer  liveth,  and 
that  though  worms  destroy  this  body,  yet  in  our  flesh 
shall  we  see  God.  Let  us  feel,  my  brethren,  that  death 
is  but  the  gate  to  a  better  life,  and  that  over  the  resting- 
place  of  the  departed  dwells  ever  the  bright  halo  of  the 
hope  of  a  glorious  resurrection.  Hence  it  is  that  we 
thus  strew  above  the  place  of  tombs,  and  in  the  graves 
of  our  loved  ones,  these  emblems  of  undying  life, 
(strewing  evergreens;)  for  we  know  that  they  are  but 
sleeping  here  until  the  voice  of  the  Maker  and  Master 
of  all  shall  call  them  to  himself  in  the  day  that  he 
makes  up  his  jewels,  and  proclaims  that  time  and  itf 
griefs  shall  be  no  more. 

21  Q 


242  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

The  brethren  will  unite  in  singing  Ode  No.  4. 

Gr.  C.  Be  with  us,  we  beseech  thee,  0  God  our  Hea 
venly  Father,  in  the  exercises  of  this  solemn  occasion. 
Fill  our  hearts  with  that  deep  faith  in  thy  holy  Word 
which  shall  enable  us  to  see,  beyond  the  night  of  the 
grave,  the  portals  of  a  diviner  day.  Strengthen  the 
hands  of  those  who  have  prepared  this  place  of  rest  for 
the  dead,  and  enable  them  to  keep  it  sacred  to  that 
purpose  and  to  thee.  Let  thy  Spirit  descend  like  dews 
of  consolation  upon  the  hearts  of  all  who  shall  here 
resort  as  mourners,  and  make  them  to  feel  that  this  is 
indeed  holy  ground.  Comfort  the  afflicted,  bind  up  the 
broken  hearts,  lift  up  the  bowed  down,  and  give  to  the 
bruised  souls  the  oil  of  joy  for  mourning,  and  the  gar- 
ment of  praise  for  the  spirit  of  heaviness.  From  this 
place  let  the  glad  testimony  rise,  from  many  a  bleeding 
heart,  that  thou  art  truly  the  widow's  God  and  the 
Father  of  the  fatherless.  Help  us,  we  beseech  thee,  to 
labor  faithfully  in  the  great  work  of  Benevolence  and 
Charity.  Bless  our  beloved  Order  with  an  everlasting 
benediction,  and  make  all  its  works  to  praise  thee. 
And  finally  receive  us  to  thyself  in  glory,  so  that  unto 
thee  we  may  ascribe  glory  and  dominion,  world  with- 
out end.  Amen. 

Cr.  M.  The  natural  man  instinctively  shrinks  from  the 
contemplation  of  the  silent  tomb.  It  is  to  him  a  sight 
of  fear  and  a  source  of  terror.  The  warm  life-blood  at 
his  heart  is  chilled  by  the  very  thought  of  its  gloom. 
To  such  the  habitation  of  the  dead  must  be  a  repulsive 
place,  fit  only  for  sounds  of  woe.  But  to  him  to  whom 
death  has  no  longer  a  sting,  and  over  whom  the  grave 
can  have  no  victory ;  to  him  whose  fears  are  swallowed 
up  and  lost  in  the  glorious  assurance  of  a  blessed  re- 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  243 

surrection  and  happy  immortality,  it  presents  a  differ- 
ent aspect.  No  longer  must  its  precincts  be  doleful 
with  the  wailings  of  sorrow,  or  its  soil  be  abandoned 
to  the  thistle  and  thorn.  We  plant  flowers  upon  the 
graves  of  our  loved  ones ;  we  cast  over  them  the  cool 
shadow  of  pleasant  trees;  we  place  them  amid  the 
gentle  scenes  of  bounteous  nature,  and  from  them  rise 
ever  the  voice  of  prayer  and  the  song  of  grateful  praise. 
We  have  learned  to  look  upon  the  solemn  end  of  all 
without  terror,  as  we  see  one  after  another  entering 
the  dark  valley,  leaning,  in  unbroken  confidence, 
on  the  precious  promises  of  Him  who  cannot  lie. 
Therefore  it  is  that  we  rightly  make  our  burial-place 
a  beautiful  and  attractive  spot.  This  you  have  already 
done,  my  brethren,  and  I  commend  you  for  it.  Con- 
tinue in  the  good  work,  maintain  in  ever-increasing 
beauty  this  consecrated  place,  and  the  hearts  of  gene- 
rations yet  unborn  will  bless  you  for  the  kindly  labor. 

The  audience  will  be  dismissed  vith  benediction  by  G.  C. 


244  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


PUBLIC  INSTALLATION  OF  OFFICERS  OF 
SUBORDINATE  LODGES. 

NOTE.  —  Public  installations  can  be  held  only  by  permission  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
and  in  manner  prescribed  by  G.  L.  U.  S.  The  representative  of  the'Grand  Master 
(if  any)  must  be  addressed  by  his  own  proper  title  —  any  other  Grand  officer  pro 
tern.,  by  that  of  the  officer  represented. 

The  Lodge  properly  arranged,  and  the  inner  door  opened  wide, 
the  G.  Marshal,  with  white  baton,  trimmed  with  scarlet,  ap- 
proaches the  I.  G.  from  without. 

G.  Mar.  "Worthy  Guardian,  inform  the  Noble  Grand 

that  the  G.  Marshal  of  the  R.  W.  Grand  Lodge  of 

demands  admission. 

'  /.  G.  Noble  Grand,  the  W.  G.  Marshal  of  the  O. 
L.  of is  without,  and  demands  admission. 

N.  G.  You  will  admit  him. 

/.  G.  You  have  liberty  to  enter. 

G.  Marshal  passes  to  centre  of  room,  and  salutis  N.  G.  with  a 
flourish  of  the  baton. 

G.  Mar.  Worthy  N.  G.,  I  am  instructed  by  the  M. 
W.  G.  Master  of  the  R.  W.  G.  Lodge  of ,  to  as- 
certain whether  the  charter  (or  dispensation)  of  this 
Lodge  is  in  the  hall,  —  whether  the  dues  of  this  Lodge 
have  been  paid,  and,  if  not,  to  request  that  they  shall 
be  placed  in  my  hands,  —  to  ask  if  the  officers  have 
been  elected  for  the  ensuing  term,  —  if  they  are  free 
from  all  charges,  pecuniary  or  otherwise,  upon  your 
Lodge-books ;  and  whether  you  are  now  ready  to  pro- 
ceed with  the  ceremony  of  installation  ? 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  245 

N.  G.  W.  G.  Marshal,  the  charter  of  this  Lodge  is 
in  the  Lodge-room,  and  in  my  keeping.  The  treas- 
urer will  pay  over  to  you  the  dues  of  the  Lodge,  or 
show  you  the  G.  Secretary's  receipt  for  the  same.  The 
officers  for  the  ensuing  term  have  been  elected ;  they 
each  and  all  stand  free  from  all  charges  upon  our  Lodge- 
books.  You  will  please  inform  the  M.  W.  G.  Master 
that  we  are  prepared  for  installation,  and  await  his 
pleasure. 

G.  Marshal  receives  dues,  salutes  N.  G.  with  baton,  retires,  and 
marshals  the  Grand  officers  to  the  inner  door. 

G.  Mar.  The  G.  L.  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  of . 

I.  G.  Noble  Grand,  the  Grand  Lodge. 
N.  G.  In  the  name  of  Friendship,  Love,  and  Truth, 
admit  it. 

G.  L.   enters,  Lodge  rises  as  G.  L.  passes  to  the  centre.     G. 
Master  steps  in  front. 

G.  M.  Noble  Grand,  by  authority  of  the  R.  W.  G. 

Lodge  of ,  we  appear  here,  this  evening,  for  the 

purpose  of  installing  into  their  respective  chairs  the 
officers  of  this  Lodge.  You  will  please  direct  your 
officers  to  surrender  their  respective  chairs  to  the  G. 
officers  in  attendance ;  and  you  will  now  please  take 
your  seat  as  Sitting  Past  Grand  of  this  Lodge  for  the 
current  term. 

N.  G.  Officers  of Lodge,  you  will  surrender 

your  chairs  to  the  officers  of  the  R.  W.  G.  Lodge  of . 

The  G.  Master  takes  the  N.  G.'s  chair  — the  G.  Warden  the  V. 
G.'s  —  G.  Sec.  and  G.  Treas.  the  chairs  of  the  Sec.  and  Treas. 

G.  M.  My  brethren,  you  will  please  be  seated.     W. 
21* 


246  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

G.  Marshal,  you  will  retire  with  the  officers  elect  for 
examination.  It  is  unnecessary  for  me  to  remind  you 
that  that  duty  should  be  faithfully  performed. 

They  retire,  and,  after  examination,  return,  and  are  announced. 

G.  G.  The  G.  Marshal,  with  the  officers  elect  for  in- 
stallation. 

They  enter  in  procession.  Each  officer  may  be  supported  by  two 
Past  officers  of  that  grade.  The  Lodge  remains  seated,  unless 
the  Ode  is  sung  during  the  march.  The  procession  forms  on 
the  left  of  the  N.  G.'s  chair. 

INSTALLATION  ODE. 

Come,  let  us  swell  the  joyful  note, 

And  hail  the  chosen  band, 
Who,  in  compliance  with  our  vote, 

To-night  before  us  stand. 
Our  Noble  and  Vice  Grand  will  now 

To  seats  of  honor  move, 
And  bear  the  ensign  on  their  brow 

Of  Friendship,  Truth,  and  Love. 

Hail !  all  our  officers  elect, 

Of  high  and  low  degree ; 
Hail!  each,  with  due  and  kind  respect, 

Whate'er  his  station  be  ; 
We  place  reliance  in  their  zeal, 

That  they  will  worthy  prove, 
And  stamp  their  actions  with  the  seal 

Of  Friendship,  Truth,  and  Love. 

G.  Mar.  M.  W.  G.  Master,  I  present  to  you  for  in- 
stallation, our  worthy  Brother  [A.  B.],  whom  the 
brethren  of  this  Lodge  have  elected  Noble  Grand  for 
the  present  term. 

G.  M.  Brother,  do  you  accept  the  office  to  which  you 
have  been  elected  ? 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  247 

N.  G.  elect.  I  do. 

G.  M.  Brethren,  are  you  content  with  the  choice 
you  have  made  of  Noble  Grand  ? 

Lodge.  We  are.  [If  objection  be  made,  the  G.  Mas- 
ter will  call  the  officers  to  their  chairs  again,  and  will 
retire  with  the  Grand  Officers^] 

G.  M.  W.  G.  Marshal,  have  you  examined  the  N. 
G.  elect,  to  ascertain  whether  he  is  sufficiently  ac- 
quainted with  the  various  lectures  and  instructions  to 
enable  him  to  deliver  them  according  to  his  office  ? 
Have  you  ascertained  whether  he  has  rendered  suffi- 
cient previous  service  in  office,  and  is  free  from  all 
charges  on  the  books  of  this  Lodge,  of  whatsoever 
kind? 

G.  Mar.  I  have,  M.  W.  G.  Master,  and  find  the 
brother  competent  and  eligible  to  fill  the  honorable 
station  to  which  he  has  been  elected  by  the  brothers 
of  this  Lodge. 

G.  M.  Noble  Grand  elect,  will  you  promise  to  sub- 
mit to  your  charges  —  to  be  obedient  to  the  mandates 

of  the  G.  Lodge  of  the of ,  —  to  support  the 

regulations  of  our  Order  —  to  act  with  justice  toward 
all  brothers,  as  is  the  duty  of  a  Noble  Grand  ? 

N.  G.  elect.  I  will. 

G.  M.  Your  apparent  willingness  to  conform  to  the 
charges  and  regulations  of  our  Order, —  the  proficiency 
you  have  made  therein — your  moral  standing  —  your 
freedom  from  indebtedness  to  the  Lodge,  and  the  voice 
of  a  majority  thereof,  entitle  you  to  be  now  installed 
into  the  office  of  N.  G.  of  this  Lodge.  You  will, 
therefore,  place  your  right  hand  upon  your  left  breast, 
and  repeat  after  me : 


248  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

NOBLE  GRAND'S  O.  B.  N. 

In  the  presence  of  the  members  of  the  Ordur  here 

assembled,  I, ,  do  promise,  declare,  and  say, 

that  I  will  perform  the  duties  of  Noble  Grand  of  this 
Lodge  until  the  end  of  the  present  term  ;  and  will  sup- 
port, maintain,  and  abide  by  the  Constitution,  By-laws, 
Rules,  and  Regulations  of  the  G.  Lodge  of  the  I.  O. 

O.  F.  of  the of ;  as  well  as  the  Constitution 

and  By-laws  of  this  Lodge.  I  furthermore  promise 
that  I  will  not  give  the  means  whereby  to  gain  admis- 
sion to  any  person,  except  a  member  of  this  Lodge  in 
good  standing.  I  will,  to  the  utmost  of  my  power, 
enforce  the  laws,  and  preserve  order  and  decorum  in 
the  Lodge.  '  I  will  judge  of  every  transaction  that 
comes  before  me  without  prejudice  or  partiality  —  see 
that  the  obligations  to  candidates  for  membership  are 
legally  administered  —  and,  should  the  G.  Lodge 
direct,  I  will  deliver  the  warrant  or  dispensation  of 
this  Lodge  to  the  Grand  Master.  All  this  I  promise 
to  fulfil,  unless  prevented  by  sickness,  or  some  other 
unavoidable  occurrence.  To  the  performance  of  all 
which,  I  pledge  my  most  sacred  honor. 

G.  M.  W.  G.  Marshal,  you  will  proceed  to  invest 
the  Noble  Grand  in  the  regalia  of  his  office. 

G.  Mar.  By  command  of  the  M.  W.  G.  M.,  I  invest 
you  with  this  collar  and  jewel,  which  are  emblems  of 
your  office. 

G.  M.  Noble  Grand,  you  will  receive  from  us  the 
Constitution  and  By-laws  of  your  Lodge.  You  are  to 
take  them  for  your  guide,  and  cause  them  to  be  fre- 
quently read  in  your  Lodge.  You  will  please  be 
seated  at  our  right  hand. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  249 

G.  Mar.  [Introduces  V.  G.;  introduction,  questions, 
and  answers,  including  the  answer  of  the  Lodge,  the 
same  as  in  case  of  the  N.  GJ\ 

G.  M.  W.  G.  Marshal,  have  you  examined  the  V. 
G.  elect,  to  ascertain  whether  he  is  sufficiently  ac- 
quainted with  the  various  lectures  and  instructions  to 
enable  him  to  assist  in  delivering  them  according  to 
his  office  ?  Have  you  ascertained  whether  he  has 
rendered  sufficient  previous  service  in  office,  and  is  free 
from  all  charges  on  the  books  of  this  Lodge,  of  what- 
soever kind? 

G.  Mar.  I  have,  M.  W.  G.  Master,  and  find  the 
brother  competent  and  eligible  to  fill  the  honorable 
station  to  which  he  has  been  elected  by  the  brothers  of 
this  Lodge. 

G.  M.  Vice  Grand  elect,  will  you  promise  to  yield 
a  like  obedience  to  your  charges,  and  the  mandates  of 
the  R.  W.  G.  Lodge  as  the  N.  G.  —  to  assist  him  in 
the  execution  of  his  office  —  to  use  your  eiforts  in  pro- 
moting the  harmony  and  welfare  of  the  Lodge,  and  to 
increase  love  among  your  brethren  ? 

V.  G.  elect.  I  will. 

G.  M.  In  consequence  of  your  avowed  willingness 
to  enter  upon  and  perform  the  duties  of  V.  G.  of  this 
Lodge,  you  will  now  proceed  with  our  W.  G.  Marshal 
to  the  chair  of  your  office,  where  you  will  be  installed. 
W.  G.  Marshal,  you  will  present  the  V.  G.  elect  to 
our  R.  W.  G.  Warden  for  obligation. 

G.  Mar.  R.  W.  G.  Warden,  by  command  of  our  M. 

W.  G.  Master,  I  present  you  Bro. ,  the  V, 

G.  elect,  for  obligation. 

G.  W.  Vice  Grand  elect,  you  will  please  place  your 
right  hand  upon  your  left  breast,  and  repeat  after  me : 


250  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

VICE  GRAND'S  O.  B.  N. 

In  the  presence  of  the  members  of  the  Order  now 

assembled,  I, ,  do  promise,  declare,  and  say, 

that  I  will  perform  the  duties  of  Vice  Grand  of  this 
Lodge  until  the  end  of  the  present  term ;  and,  in  the 
absence  of  the  N.  G.,  to  the  utmost  of  my  ability,  per- 
form all  the  duties  he  has  obligated  himself  to  do  — 
that  I  will  restrain  every  improper  sentiment,  and 
strictly  administer  the  obligations  to  candidates  for 
membership,  or  cause  the  same  to  be  done  by  a  P.  G. 
or  P.  V.  G.  All  this  I  promise  to  fulfil,  unless  pre- 
vented by  sickness,  or  some  unavoidable  occurrence. 
To  the  performance  of  all  which  I  pledge  my  most 
sacred  honor. 

G.  H.  W.  G.  Marshal,  you  will  proceed  to  invest 
the  V.  G.  in  the  regalia  of  his  office. 

G.  Mar.  By  command  of  the  M.  W.  G.  Master,  I  in- 
vest you  with  the  badges  of  your  office.  In  receiving 
them,  you  will  not  cease  to  remember  that  the  prefer- 
ence of  the  Lodge  has  placed  them  upon  you,  in  the 
full  confidence  that,  while  you  wear  them,  their  purity 
shall  not  be  blemished. 

G.  W.  Vice  Grand,  I  present  to  you  a  copy  of  the 
Constitution  and  By-laws  of  your  Lodge,  which  you 
will  make  your  study,  in  order  that  you  may  assist  the 
N.  G.  in  the  performance  of  his  duties  —  and  this 
gavel,  which  indicates  that  you  are  to  assist  him  in  the 
exercise  of  his  authority.  You  will  now  take  your 
seat  as  V.  G.  of  this  Lodge  for  the  present  term. 

G.  Mar.  [Introduces  Sec. ;  introduction,  questions,  and 
answers,  including  the  answer  of  the  Lodge,  the  same  as 
in  case  of  the  N.  G.] 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  251 

G.  M.  W.  G.  Marshal,  have  you  examined  the  Sec. 
elect,  and  ascertained  whether  he  has  attained  sufficient 
degrees  to  entitle  him  to  the  office  ?  Have  you  ascer- 
tained whether  he  is  free  from  all  charges  on  the  books, 
of  whatsoever  kind  ? 

G.  Mar.  I  have,  M.  W.  G.  Master,  and  find  the 
brother  fully  qualified  to  fill  the  office  to  which  he  has 
been  elected. 

G.  M.  Worthy  Secretary  elect,  will  you  engage  to 
perform  the  duties  of  Secretary  of  this  Lodge  faithfully 
and  punctually,  and  to  comply  with  the  requisitions  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  ? 

Sec.  elect.  I  will. 

G.  M.  Having  expressed  your  willingness  to  enter 
upon  and  perform  the  duties  of  Sec.  of  this  Lodge, 
our  W.  G.  Marshal  will  conduct  you  to  the  chair  of 
your  office,  where  the  obligation  appertaining  to  it  will 
be  administered  to  you.  W.  G.  Marshal,  you  will 
present  the  Sec.  elect  to  our  R.  W.  G.  Sec. 

G.  Mar.  R.  W.  G.  Sec.,  by  command  of  our  M.  W. 

G.  Master,  I  present  to  you  Brother ,  the 

Sec.  elect,  for  obligation. 

G.  Sec.  W.  Secretary  elect,  you  will  place  your  right 
hand  upon  your  left  breast,  and  repeat  after  me : 

When  all  the  duties  of  Sec.  are  performed  by  one  person,  the 
"Secretary's  0.  B.  N."  will  be  administered  —  when  by  two 
persons,  the  "Recording  Secretary's  0.  B.  N." 

SECRETARY'S  O.  B.  N. 

In  the  presence  of  the  members  of  the  Order  now 

assembled,  I, ,  do  promise,  declare,  and  say, 

that  I  will  keep  accurate  minutes  of  the  transactions  of 


252  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

this  Lodge  —  I  will  keep  correctly  the  accounts  be- 
tween this  Lodge  and  its  members  —  I  will  pay  all 
moneys  into  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer,  taking  his  re- 
ceipt for  the  same  —  and  that  I  will,  as  soon  as  prac- 
ticable, forward  to  the  Treasurer  copies  of  all  resolu- 
tions authorizing  drafts  of  moneys  on  him.  I  further- 
more promise,  that  I  will  not  wrong  the  Lodge,  or  a 
brother,  to  the  value  of  anything  —  and  I  will  deliver 
all  books  and  papers  belonging  to  the  Lodge,  to  my 
successor  in  office ;  and  perform  such  other  duties  as 
the  Lodge  may  require.  All  this  I  promise  to  fulfil, 
unless  prevented  by  sickness  or  some  unavoidable  cir- 
cumstance. To  the  performance  of  all  which  I  pledge 
my  most  sacred  honor. 

RECORDING  SECRETARY'S  O.  B.  N. 

In  the  presence  of  the  members  of  the  Order  now 

assembled,  I, ,  do  promise,  declare,  and  say, 

that  I  will  keep  accurate  minutes  of  the  transactions 
of  this  Lodge  —  and  that  I  will,  as  soon  as  practicable, 
forward  to  the  treasurer  copies  of  all  resolutions  author- 
izing drafts  of  moneys  on  him.  I  furthermore  prom- 
ise that  I  will  not  wrong  the  Lodge,  or  a  brother,  to 
the  value  of  anything  —  and  that  I  will  not  take  part 
or  share,  directly  or  indirectly,  in  any  illegal  distribu- 
tion of  the  funds  or  other  property  of  the  Lodge,  but 
will,  to  the  best  of  my  ability  and  the  utmost  of  my 
power,  endeavor  to  prevent  any  attempt  at  such  per- 
version of  the  property  of  the  Lodge;  and  I  will  de- 
liver all  books  and  papers  belonging  to  the  Lodge,  to 
my  successor  in  office,  and  perform  such  other  duties 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  253 

as  the  Lodge  may  require.  All  this  I  promise  to  ful- 
fil, unless  prevented  by  sickness  or  some  unavoidable 
circumstance.  To  the  performance  of  all  which,  I 
pledge  my  most  sacred  honor. 

G.  M.  "W.  G.  Marshal,  you  will  now  invest  the  Sec. 
with  the  regalia  of  his  office. 

G.  Mar.  By  command  of  the  M.  W.  G.  Master,  I  in- 
vest you  with  the  badges  of  your  office.  In  wearing 
this  regalia  of  the  important  office  to  which  you  have 
been  elevated,  it  is  our  hope  that  you  will  not  for  a 
moment  lose  sight  of  the  responsibilities  resting  upon 
you,  so  that  you  may  surrender  it  to  your  successor 
with  as  much  honor  to  yourself  as  you  now  receive  it. 

G.  Sec.  W.  Secretary,  I  present  to  you  these 
books  and  papers,  the  property  of  your  office ;  and 
this  seal  of  the  Lodge,  which  is  to  remain  in  your 
official  keeping.  You  will  now  take  your  seat  as  Sec. 
of  this  Lodge  for  the  present  term. 

The  "  Permanent  Secretary  "  (if  any)  will  be  presented  by  title, 
in  same  manner  and  form  as  Sec. ;  and  will  take  the 


PERMANENT  SECRETARY'S  O.  B.  N. 

In  the  presence  of  the  members  of  the  Order  now 

assembled,  I, ,  do  promise,  declare,  and  say, 

that  I  will  keep  correctly  the  accounts  between  the 
Lodge  and  its  members,  and  will  pay  all  moneys  in 
my  hands  to  the  Treasurer,  taking  his  receipt  for  the 
same.  I  furthermore  promise,  that  I  will  not  wrong 
the  Lodge,  or  a  brother,  to  the  value  of  anything  — 
and  that  I  will  not  take  part  or  share,  directly  or  in- 
directly, in  any  illegal  distribution  of  the  funds  or 
22 


254  THE   ODD-FELLOWS*    TEXT-BOOK. 

other  property  of  the  Lodge,  but  will,  to  the  best  of 
my  ability  and  the  utmost  of  my  power,  endeavor  to 
prevent  any  attempt  at  such  perversion  of  the  property 
of  the  Lodge  —  and  I  will  deliver  all  books  and  papers, 
belonging  to  the  Lodge,  to  my  successor  in  office ;  and 
perform  such  other  duties  as  the  Lodge  may  require. 
All  this  I  promise  to  fulfil,  unless  prevented  by  sick- 
ness or  some  unavoidable  circumstance.  To  the  per- 
formance of  all  which,  I  pledge  my  most  sacred  honor. 

G.  M.  W.  G.  Marshal,  you  will  now  invest  the 
Permanent  Sec.  with  the  regalia  of  his  office. 

G.  Mar.  By  command  of  our  M.  W.  G.  Master,  I 
invest  you  with  the  badges  of  your  office.  In  bearing 
this  distinction  among  your  brethren,  be  assiduous  in 
discharging  the  duties  of  your  station. 

G.  Sec.  W.  Per.  Sec.,  I  present  to  you  the  books 
and  papers  of  your  office.  You  will  now  take  your 

station  as  Per.  Sec.  for  the  term  of mouths,  as 

provided  by  the  By-laws  of  your  Lodge. 

G.  Mar.  [Introduces  Treasurer;  questions  and  answers, 
including  that  by  the  Lodge,  the  same  as  in  case  of  N.  GJ\ 

G.  M.  W.  G.  Marshal,  have  you  examined  the 
Treas.  elect,  and  ascertained  whether  he  has  attained 
sufficient  degrees  to  entitle  him  to  the  office  ?  Have 
you  ascertained  whether  he  is  free  from  all  charges  on 
the  books,  of  whatsoever  nature  and  kind  ?  Has  his 
bond  of  office  been  duly  and  regularly  executed,  to 
the  benefit  and  satisfaction  of  the  Lodge  ? 

G.  Mar.  I  have,  M.  W.  G.  Master,  examined  the 
brother,  and  find  him  duly  qualified  and  free  from 
charges.  I  have  also  ascertained  that  his  bond  has 
been  regularly  executed,  presented,  and  accepted,  and 
is  now  in  possession  of  the  Lodge. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  255 

(r.  M.  W.  Treas.  elect,  will  you  engage  to  perform 
the  duties  of  Treas.  faithfully,  as  required  by  the  Con- 
stitution and  By-laws  of  the  Lodge  ? 

Treas.  elect.  I  will. 

G.  M.  Under  this  assurance  of  your  disposition  to 
enter  upon  and  perform  the  duties  of  Treas.  of  this 
Lodge,  our  W.  G.  Marshal  will  conduct  you  to  the 
chair  of  your  office,  where  the  necessary  obligation 
will  be  administered  unto  you.  W.  G.  Marshal,  you 
will  present  the  Treas.  elect  to  our  R.  W.  G.  Treas. 

G.  Mar.  R.  W.  G.  Treas.,  by  command  of  our  M.  W. 

G.  Master,  I  present  to  you  Brother ,  the 

Treas.  elect,  for  obligation. 

G.  Treas.  Worthy  Treas.  elect,  you  will  place  your 
right  hand  upon  your  left  breast,  and  repeat  after  me : 

TREASURER'S  O.  B.  N. 

In  the  presence  of  the  members  of  the  Order  now 

assembled,  I, ,  do  promise,  declare,  and  say, 

that  I  will  justly  and  truly  perform  the  duties  of 
Treas.  of  this  Lodge.  I  will  pay  all  orders  drawn  on 
me  by  the  N.  G.,  or  committee  duly  authorized  by  the 
Lodge,  after  having  received  from  the  Sec.  a  copy  of 
the  resolutions  authorizing  the  same.  I  will  deliver 
all  books  and  papers,  and  pay  all  moneys  in  my  hands, 
to  my  successor  in  office ;  and  I  will  not  wrong  this 
Lodge  to  the  value  of  anything;  and  that  I  will  not 
take  part  or  share,  directly  or  indirectly,  in  any  illegal 
distribution  of  the  funds  or  other  property  of  the 
Lodge,  but  will,  to  the  best  of  my  ability  and  the  ut- 
most of  my  power,  endeavor  to  prevent  any  attempt 


256  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

• 

at  such  perversion  of  the  property  of  the  Lodge.  All 
this  I  promise  to  fulfil,  unless  prevented  by  sickness 
or  some  unavoidable  circumstance.  To  the  perform- 
ance of  all  which,  I  pledge  my  most  sacred  honor. 

G.  M.  W.  G.  Marshal,  you  will  now  invest  the 
Worthy  Treas.  with  the  regalia  of  his  office. 

G.  Mar.  By  command  of  our  M.  W.  G.  Master,  I  in- 
vest you  with  the  badges  of  your  office.  The  import- 
ance ancj  responsibility  of  your  office  will  always  ad- 
monish you  of  the  necessity  of  preserving  free  from 
tarnish  the  honor  you  have  pledged. 

Gr.  Treas.  Worthy  Treas.,  you  will  receive  from  me 
the  books  and  papers  of  your  office.  You  will  now 
take  your  seat  as  Treas.  of  this  Lodge  for  the  present 
term. 

The  G.  Master  retires  from  the  N.  G.'s  chair  by  the  left,  as  he  says : 

Gr.  M.  Noble  Grand,  I  present  to  you  this  gavel, 
the  emblem  of  your  authority,  and  call  upon  your 
brethren  to  arise.  [Lodge  risesJ}  Receive  your  au- 
thority, and  take  your  seat  as  N.  G.  of  this  Lodge. 
[Lodge  is  seated.'}  Noble  Grand,  you  will  now  appoint 
your  subordinate  officers. 

Appointments  made  thus : 

[N.  G.  or  V.  G.~\  Br. ,  I  appoint  you  [my 

H.  H.  Sup.,  or  Warden,  etc.,  of  this  Lodge,  (as  the  case 
may  be)']  for  the  present  term.  Are  you  willing  to  ac- 
cept that  office,  and  enter  upon  the  duties  thereof? 

Answer.  I  am,  Noble  Grand. 

N.  G.  Br. ,  you  will  take  your  station. 

After  the  appointments  have  been  made  — 


THE   OB^-FELLOWS1    TEXT-BOOK.  257 

G.  M.  Noble  Grand,  previous  to  delivering  into 
your  keeping  the  charter  and  books  pertaining  to  your 
office,  it  is  necessary  that  you  should  enter  with  us  into 
another  obligation.  Place  yourself  in  the  attitude  in 
which  you  were  last  obligated,  and  repeat : 

NOBLE  GRAND'S  SECOND  O.  B.  N. 

I, ,  Noble  Grand,  do,  in  the  presence  of 

these  brethren,  most  sincerely  promise  and  declare,  that 
I  will  neither  print  nor  write,  nor  cause  to  be  printed 
or  written,  any  part  or  parts  of  these  charges ;  nor  will 
I,  in  the  presence  of  any  person,  either  read  or  rehearse, 
or  cause  to  be  understood  by  any  means,  any  part  or 
parts  of  them,  except  in  the  presence  of  brothers  duly 
qualified  to  receive  them  in  legal  form.  Nor  will  I, 
at  any  time,  permit  them  to  be  taken  from  my  keeping 
by  any  person  or  persons,  excepting  those  subordinate 
officers  whose  various  charges  shall  have  obligated 
them  to  return  to  me  such  printed  or  written  part  or 
parts  as  were  delivered  to  them,  without  having  made 
themselves  or  permitted  any  others  to  make  any  ex- 
tracts, or  take  any  copies  therefrom ;  and  I  will  use 
every  effort  to  effect  the  return  of  those  books,  or 
printed  or  written  parts  of  them,  as  soon  as  the  pur- 
pose for  which  they  were  obtained  from  me  has  been 
accomplished.  And  I  do  furthermore  promise  and  de- 
clare, that  I  will  deliver  these  books  to  no  person  or 
persons,  excepting  the  M.  "W.  G.  Master,  or  his  Deputy, 
or  to  a  Committee  from  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  the  N. 
G.  who  shall  have  been  elected  to  succeed  me.  I 
furthermore  promise,  that  I  will  not  wrong  this  Lodge, 
22*  E 


258  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

or  the  Grand  Lodge  of  this  jurisdiction,  to  the  value 
of  anything ;  and  that  I  will  not  take  part  or  share, 
directly  or  indirectly,  in  any  illegal  distribution  of  the 
funds  or  other  property  of  the  Lodge,  but  will,  to  the 
best  of  my  ability  and  the  utmost  of  my  power,  en- 
deavor to  prevent  any  attempt  at  such  perversion  of 
the  property  of  the  Lodge.  To  the  performance  of 
all  which,  I  pledge  my  most  sacred  honor. 

6r.  M.  Having  full  confidence  in  your  integrity,  we 
here  present  you  with  the  books  pertaining  to  your 
office,  the  Constitution,  By-laws,  Rules  and  General 

Regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the of , 

and  the  Charter  under  which  this  Lodge  exists.  And 
it  is  your  duty  that  these,  severally,  shall  be  present  in 
the  Lodge,  when  open,  and  at  the  installation  of  your 
successor. 

CHARGES    TO    BE    DELIVERED    BY   THE 
INSTALLING  OFFICERS. 

M.  N.  G. :  You  have  been  elected  and  installed  into 

the  office  of  N.  G.  of Lodge,  No. ,  for  the 

present  term,  and  until  the  installation  of  your  suc- 
cessor :  and  as  it  will  be  your  duty  to  preside  at  the 
meetings  of  the  Lodge,  much  of  the  peace,  harmony, 
and  prosperity  thereof  will  depend  upon  you.  It  is 
therefore  necessary  that  you  should  deeply  impress  on 
your  mind  the  important  duties  of  your  station. 
Among  them,  we  would  particularly  bring  to  your 
notice  the  necessity  of  requiring  the  regular  indications 
of  good  standing  of  every  person  who  desires  to  visit 
your  Lodge.  Admit  none,  unless  it  be  your  own 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  259 

members,  without  them.  In  the  performance  of  your 
duties,  act  without  fear  or  partiality ;  be  zealous,  yet 
temper  your  zeal  with  prudence,  and  maintain  in  your- 
self a  tranquil  temper,  a  generous  disposition,  and  an 
unsullied  character,  that  your  decisions  and  instruc- 
tions may  be  received  with  respect,  and  attentively  ob- 
served. You  are  bound  to  obey  the  laws  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  and  to  execute  those  of  the  Lodge  over  which 
you  preside :  you  must  therefore  screen  none  who  may 
violate  them,  and  enforce  the  transaction  of  Lodge 
business  with  punctuality  and  dispatch. 

W.  V.  G. :  You  must  carefully  attend  to  the  support 
of  order  in  the  Lodge ;  and  at  all  times,  when  the  N. 
G.  is  otherwise  engaged,  his  duties  will  devolve  upon 
you ;  and  should  he,  at  any  time,  omit  anything  apper- 
taining to  his  office,  it  will  be  not  only  your  privilege, 
but  your  duty,  to  apprise  him  thereof. 

When  there  is  a  Permanent  Secretary,  omit  the  portion  in  italics. 

W.  S. :  You  are  charged  with  the  care  of  the  books 
of  the  Lodge ;  you  must  keep  a  record  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  every  Lodge  meeting;  you  must  fill  up 
all  summonses,  and  write  all  letters  and  communica- 
tions that  may  be  ordered  by  the  N.  G.  You  must  be 
punctual,  correct,  and  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  your 
office ;  you  must  keep  your  accounts  regularly  posted,  so 
that  no  dispute  arise,  and  be  ready  at  all  times  to  render 
the  jV.  G.  statements  of  the  arrears  of  brethren,  so  that 
their  rights  be  not  abused :  —  and  no  person  is  privi- 
leged to  interfere  with  your  books,  except  the  N.  G., 
the  M.  W.  G.  Master,  or  the  E.  W.  Deputy  G.  Master 
of  your  district.  At  the  end  of  your  term  you  will 


260  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT -BOOK. 

render  a  faithful  report  of  the  work  of  the  Lodge  for 
the  Grand  Lodge,  and  every  assistance  required  by  the 
committee  appointed  to  examine  the  books,  etc. 

W.  Treas. :  You  have  in  charge  the  funds  of  this 
Lodge ;  be  correct,  careful,  and  honest,  and  secure  the 
Lodge  against  any  loss,  or  probability  of  loss,  by  or 
through  you.  On  a  proper  management  of  the  fiscal 
concerns  of  a  Lodge,  mainly  depends  its  ability  to 
render  assistance  where  it  is  needed,  and  at  the  time  it 
may  be  required.  It  is  expected  of  you  to  keep  your 
accounts  in  such  a  manner  as  to  enable  you  to  inform 
the  Lodge  of  its  pecuniary  condition  ;  so  that  you  can, 
at  any  moment,  when  called  upon,  surrender  your 
trust,  together  with  all  books,  papers,  and  funds  in 
your  possession,  belonging  to  the  Lodge. 

W.  P.  S. :  You  are  charged  with  the  care  of  the 
accounts  between  this  Lodge  and  its  members ;  you 
must  be  punctual,  correct,  and  faithful  in  the  discharge 
of  your  duty ;  keep  your  accounts  regularly  posted, 
so  that  no  dispute  arise,  and  be  ready  at  all  times  to 
render  to  the  N.  G.  statements  of  the  arrears  of  the 
brethren,  so  that  their  rights  be  not  abused.  At  the 
end  of  your  term  of  office,  you  will  prepare  for  the 
Grand  Lodge  the  annual  report  required  by  the  regu- 
lations, and,  at  the  end  of  each  term,  render  such 
facilities  to  the  committee  appointed  to  examine  the 
books,  etc.,  as  may  be  required  by  them.  No  person 
is  at  liberty  to  interfere  with  your  books,  etc.,  except 
the  N.  G.,  the  M.  W.  G.  Master,  or  the  K.  W.  D.  G. 
Master  of  your  district. 

The  G.  Marshal  will  present  the  Warden  and  0.  Guardian  thus: 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  261 

G.  Mar.  I  present  to  you  Br. ,  who  has 

been  appointed  [W.  or  O.  G.]  of  this  Lodge,  and 
whom,  on  examination,  I  find  to  have  attained  the 
proper  degrees  for  the  office. 

G.  M.  W.  W. :  Your  duty  calls  upon  you  to  do 
all  you  can  while  in  the  Lodge  to  make  the  brothers 
comfortable.  You  must  examine  every  person  in  the 
room  when  the  Lodge  is  about  to  be  opened,  deliver 
your  charge  to  candidates  at  initiation,  take  care  of 
the  regalia  of  the  Lodge,  and  convey  all  summonses 
that  may  be  issued. 

W.  O.  G. :  You  have  charge  of  the  ante-room  — 
you  will  see  that  no  person  shall  enter  it  who  cannot 
prove  himself  according  to  the  regulations  of  the 
Order.  You  will  secure  the  outer  door  against  im- 
proper intrusion  ;  and  submit  all  cases  of  doubt  to  the 
N.  G.  for  decision. 

W.  C. :  You  will  receive  candidates  for  initiation  in 
the  ante-room,  give  the  charge  according  to  your  office, 
and  assist  the  Worthy  Warden  while  in  the  Lodge. 

W.  I.  G. :  Prove  every  brother,  before  you  admit 
him,  according  to  the  regulations  of  our  Order;  see 
that  he  is  in  proper  regalia;  report  his  name  to  the 
N.  G.  for,  when  the  door  is  in  charge  of  the  V.  G.,  to 
that  officer),  and  let  no  one  pass  out,  or  return,  with- 
out the  V.  G.'s  password  of  the  night. 

W.  R.  H.  S.  of  the  N.  G. :  It  is  your  duty  to  open 
and  close  the  Lodge  in  due  form,  to  advise  with  the 
N.  G.,  and  to  take  his  seat  during  a  temporary  absence. 

W.  L.  H.  S.  of  the  N.  G. :  It  is  your 'duty  to  see 
that  every  brother  who  enters  the  room  is  in  proper 
regalia,  and  makes  his  address  to  the  chair. 


262  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

W.  R.  and  L.  S.  of  the  Y.  G. :  The  duties  of  your 
stations  require  you  to  support  the  L.  S.  of  the  N.  G. 
in  the  duty  of  his  office.  The  R.  S.  will  take  the  seat 
of  the  V.  G.  during  a  temporary  absence. 

W.  R.  and  L.  Scene  Sup. :  You  will  assist  at  initi- 
ations according  to  your  offices. 

After  an  address  (if  any)  by  the  G.  Master: 

G.  H.  And  now,  W.  Grand  Marshal,  proclaim  the 
installation  completed. 

G.  Mar.  And  now,  by  command  of  the  M.  W.  G. 
Master,  and  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the  R,. 

W.  G.  Lodge  of ,  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  I  do  declare 

the  officers  of Lodge,  No.  — ,  installed  into  their 

respective  offices  for  the  current  term  in  ["Ample  "  or 
"Regular"]  form.* 

When  about  to  retire,  the  installing  officers  will  notify  the  N.  G.; 
the  Lodge  will  rise,  and  the  G.  L.  will  retire  in  procession,  pre- 
ceded by  the  G.  Marshal,  the  G.  Master  bringing  up  the  rear. 

*  If  by  a  Grand  Master,  "  Ample  Form ;  "  if  by  a  Deputy  G. 
M.  or  D.  D.  G.  Master,  "  Regular  Form  ;  "  if  by  a  P.  G.  Officer 
or  a  P.  G.,  "  Form." 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  263 


FUNERAL  CEREMONIES. 

1.  AT  the  time  appointed  for  the  Lodge  of  which  the  deceased 
brother  was  a  member  to  assemble  at  the  Lodge-room,  the  Noble 
Grand,  or,  in  his  absence,  the  Vice  Grand,  or,  in  the  absence  of 
both,  the  Senior  Past  Grand  present,  will  appoint  a  Marshal  and 
such  Assistant  Marshals  as  may  be  necessary ;  and  should  the 
Lodge  have  no  Chaplain,  a  Chaplain  will  also  be  appointed,  after 
which  the  Lodge  will  be  formed  in  procession  by  the  Marshal 
in  proper  order. 

2.  The  funeral  procession  must  form  in  the  manner  prescribed 
by  the  forms  of  the  Order  for  other  processions,  and  precedence 
must  be  observed  as  therein  set  forth  and  prescribed. 

3.  The  Regalia  to  be  worn  by  all  members  of  the  Order  when 
attending  the  funeral  of   a  deceased  brother   must  be  a  black 
crape  rosette,  having  a  centre  of  the  color  of  the  highest  degree  to 
which  the  wearer  may  have  attained,  to   be  worn  on  the  left 
breast ;  above  it  a  sprig  of  evergreen,  and  below  it  (if  the  wearer 
be  an  Elective  or  Past  Officer)  the  jewel  or  jewels  which,  as  such, 
he  may  be  entitled  to  wear. 

4.  The  ordinary  mourning  badge  to  be  worn  by  brothers  in 
memory  of  a  deceased  brother,  is  a  strip  of  black  crape  passed 
through  one  buttonhole  only  of  the  left  lapel  of  the  coat,  and  tied 
with  a  narrow  ribbon  of  the  color  of  the  highest  degree  to  which 
the  wearer  may  have  attained.     The  several  State  Grand  Lodges 
and  Grand  Encampments  may  permit  the  usual  Regalia  of  the 
Order  to  be  worn  at  funerals,  either  in  connection  with  or  as  a 
substitute   for   the   Regalia   above   described.     The   prescribed 
street  uniform  for  Patriarchs  may  also  be  worn  in  funeral  pro- 
cessions, with  proper  permission. 

5.  On  funeral  occasions  the  Marshal  must  wear  a  black  scarf, 
and  carry  a  baton  bound  with  black  crape. 

The  Outside  Guardian  must  carry  a  red  wand  bound  with 
black  crape. 

The  Scene  Supporters  must  each  carry  a  white  wand  bound 
with  black  crape. 

The  Chaplain  must  wear  a  white  scarf. 

The  Inside  Guardian  must  carry  the  Regalia  and  insignia  indi- 
cating the  rank  in  the  Order  of  the  deceased  brother. 


264  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

The  Supporters  of  the  Vice  Grand  must  each  carry  his  wand 
of  office  bound  with  black  crape. 

The  Warden  must  carry  the  are  bound  with  black  crape. 

The  Conductor  must  carry  his  wand  of  office  bound  with  black 
crape. 

The  Supporters  of  the  Noble  Grand  must  each  carry  his  wand 
of  office  bound  with  black  crape. 

6.  If,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  the  deceased  brother  was  a 
member  of  an  Encampment,  the  Encampment  may  attend  the 
funeral  in  a  body,  in  order  similar  to  that  prescribed  for  Lodges, 
and  shall  take  the  position  in  line  designated  in  the  proper  form 
for  processions  ;  but  in  all  cases  the  funeral  ceremonies  shall  be 
conducted  by  the  Subordinate  Lodge,  except  that  if  the  brother 
was  an  elective  officer  or  past  officer  of  a  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand 
Encampment,  then  the  ceremonies  may  be  conducted  by  such 
Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment. 

7.  Invited  brethren,  or  those  participating  who  are  members 
of  other  Lodges,  will  take  places  with  the  members  of  the  Lodge 
or   Encampment,   according   to   their   rank.     The    Lodges    and 
Encampments,  where  more  than  one  attend,  must  be  arranged 
in  order  of  juniority,  preceding  the  Lodge  conducting  the  cere- 
monies. 

8.  On  arriving  at  the  place  appointed  for  the  starting  of  the 
funeral,  the  procession  will  take  position  in  the  foregoing  order, 
immediately  before  the  corpse,  and  shall  precede  it  to  the  place 
of  interment. 

9.  On  arriving  at  the  place  of  interment,  the  procession  will 
halt,  and  the  brothers  will  open  right  and  left  and  allow  the 
corpse,  mourners,  and  near  friends  to  pass  through,  the  brothers 
standing  uncovered,  the  hat  held  in  the  left  hand,  and  joining 
hands    with    each    other.      After    the   passing   of    the    corpse, 
mourners,  and  near  friends  between  the  two  lines,  the  brothers 
will  reform  in  procession  after  them,  in  reversed  order,  within 
the  place  of  interment,  and  take  position  as  near  the  grave  as 
possible,  taking  care  not  to  incommode  the  moving  friends. 

10.  After  the  performance  of  such  religious  service  as  the  friends 
of  the  deceased  may  cause  to  be  there  performed,  and  before  the 
closing  of  the  grave,  the  brethren  will  form  silently,  and  as  near 
as  may  be  in  the  order  in  which  they  marched,  uncovered,  the 
hat  in  the  left  hand,  and  joining  hands  with  each  other  in  one  or 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  265 

more  circles,  as  regularly  as  the  nature  of  the  ground  will  per- 
mit around  the  grave,  when  the  Chaplain,  or,  if  there  be  no  Chap- 
lain, the  Noble  Grand  may  address  the  brothers  and  offer  up  a 
prayer,  or  may  address  the  brethren  without  the  offering  of  a 
prayer  ;  and  after  such  address  or  prayer,  or  both,  or  if  there  be 
no  address  or  prayer,  then,  after  a  pause  suited  to  the  solemnity 
of  the  occasion,  the  Noble  Grand  will  advance  singly  to  the  head 
of  the  grave,  and  cast  into  it  with  the  right  hand  the  sprig  of 
evergreen  from  his  regalia,  and  shall  return  to  his  place ;  afier 
which,  the  brothers,  from  left  to  right,  in  regular  succession,  and 
in  such  numbers  at  a  time  as  not  to  cause,  confusion,  shall  advance  to 
the  grave,  shall  cast  into  it  (each  with  the  right  hand)  the  sprig 
of  evergreen  from  their  regalia,  and  shall  return  to  their  place. 
After  all  have  done  this,  the  brothers  shall  silently  reform  into 
procession  according  to  the  order  observed  in  coming  to  the 
place  of  interment,  and  shall  return  in  such  order  to  the  Lodge- 
room,  where  the  Noble  Grand  shall  declare  the  funeral  ceremo- 
nies closed. 

11.  Either  of  the  following  forms  of  funeral  ceremony  may  be 
used  at  the  option  of  the  Lodge,  but  if  any  form  of  address  or 
prayer  is  used  it  must  be  one  of  them. 

FUNERAL,  CEREMONY,  No.  1. 

1.  We  are  assembled,  my  brethren,  to  render  the  last 
office  which  the  living  may  minister  to  the  dead. 

Man  is  born  to  die.  The  coffin,  the  grave,  the  sepul- 
chre, speak  to  us  in  language  that  cannot  be  misunder- 
stood, however  unheeded  it  may  be,  of  "man's  latter 
end."  Youth  in  its  harmlessness  and  comparative  inno- 
cency,  and  manhood  with  its  wonted  vigor  and  pride  of 
strength,  are  not  more  exempt  than  decrepit  and  totter- 
ing age  from  the  fixed  law  of  being  which  dedicates  all 
that  is  mortal  to  decay  and  death. 

This  truth  is  inscribed  in  the  great  volume  of  nature 

upon  its   every  page.     The  beautiful  and  the   sublime 

which   the  handiwork  of  the   Creator   displays  on  our 

every  side,  are  fearfully  associated   with   the  unerring 

23 


266  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

certainty  of  the  end  of  all  things  with  the  vividness  of 
the  moral  which  they  are  ever  suggesting  to  the  contem- 
plative mind. 

Day  after  day  we  are  called  upon  to  follow  our  fellow- 
creatures  to  that  bourne  whence  no  traveller  returns ; 
but  from  the  house  of  mourning  we  go  forth  again  to 
mingle  in  the  crowded  world,  heedless  perhaps  of  the 
precarious  tenure  of  life  and  the  certainty  of  that  end  to 
which  all  flesh  is  rapidly  tending.  He  who  gives  the 
vigor  of  body,  without  warning  paralyzes  the  stout  heart, 
and  strikes  down  the  athletic  frame :  the  living  of  to-day 
become  the  dead  of  the  morrow. 

2.  Men  appear  upon  and  disappear  from  the  stage  of 
life,  as  wave  meets  wave  and  parts  upon  the  troubled 
waters.  "  In  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death."  He 
whose  lips  now  echo  these  tones  of  solemn  warning,  in 
turn  will  be  stilled  in  the  cold  and  cheerless  house  of  the 
dead,  and  in  the  providence  of  God  none  may  escape. 

Let  us  then  so  far  improve  the  lesson  as  to  be  prepared 
for  that  change  which  leads  to  life  eternal. 

PRAYER. 

Our  Father  and  our  God,  who  art  the  resurrection  and 
the  life  —  in  whom  whosoever  believeth  shall  live  though 
he  die,  and  whosoever  liveth  and  believeth  in  Thee  shall 
not  die  —  hear,  we  beseech  Thee,  the  voice  of  Thy  crea- 
tures here  assembled,  and  turn  not  away  from  our  suppli- 
cations. 

We  humbly  beseech  Thee  so  to  imbue  us  with  a  con- 
viction of  our  entire  helplessness  and  dependence  upon 
Thee,  that  we  may  be  brought  to  meditate  upon  the  un- 
certainty of  life  and  the  certainty  of  death.  In  the  dis- 
pensation of  Thy  Providence,  Thou  hast  summoned  from 
among  us  our  brother,  and  we,  the  surviving  monuments 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  267 

of  Thy  mercy,  are  gathered  together  to  commit  his  re- 
mains to  the  earth.  Give,  O  God,  we  beseech  Thee,  Thy 
Holy  Spirit  to  us  whom  Thou  hast  spared ;  increase  our 
knowledge,  and  confirm  our  faith  in  Thee,  forever. 

[Bless  and  comfort,  we  pray  Thee,  those  whom  it  has 
pleased  Thee  to  add  to  the  number  of  the  disconsolate  ; 
buoy  them  up  under  this  heavy  stroke,  sustain  them 
against  despondency.  Oh !  wilt  Thou  be  their  Father 
and  their  God,  and  pour  down  from  on  high  Thy  bless- 
ings upon  their  heads.]  Bless,  O  heavenly  Father,  the 
brethren  here  assembled ;  imbue  them  with  the  wisdom 
of  Thy  laws,  and  draw  them  unto  Thee  by  the  cords  of 
Thy  inestimable  love;  impress  them  with  their  duty  to 
each  other  as  brethren,  and  their  obligations  in  the 
various  relations  of  human  life;  and  finally,  bless  our 
beloved  Order  throughout  the  globe.  Preserve  its  prin- 
ciples and  its  purposes  from  innovation ;  sustain  it  from 
the  shafts  of  enmity,  protect  it  from  self-immolation,  and 
shield  it  from  all  evil,  and  unto  Thee  we  shall  render  the 
praise  forever.  Amen. 

Here,  after  depositing  the  Sprig,  the  Choir  may  sing  either  Funeral 
Ode  in  Funeral  Ceremony,  No.  2. 

FUNERAL.  CEREMONY,  No.  2. 

NOBLE  GRAND. 

Brethren  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows : 

We  are  assembled  to  perform  the  last  office  which  the  living  can 
render  to  the  dead.  Be  attentive,  therefore,  to  the  instruction 
now  to  be  imparted. 

CHAPLAIN. 

MY  BRETHREN  :  A  solemn  occasion  brings  us  here  to-day ;  and 
as  the  coffin  and  the  grave  so  forcibly  speak  to  us  of  our  mortnl- 
ity,  may  we  not  ask  with  the  Psalmist,  "  Lord,  what  is  man,  that 
Thou  art  mindful  of  him,  and  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest 
him  ?  "  From  the  Sacred  Scriptures  comes  the  response  :  "  Man 
that  is  born  of  woman  is  of  few  days,  and  full  of  trouble.  He 


268  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

cometh  forth  like  a  flower,  and  is  cut  down ;  he  fleeth  also  as  a 
shadow,  and  continueth  not."  "  We  bring  our  years  to  an  end, 
as  it  were  a  tale  that  is  told.  The  dust  shall  return  to  the  earth 
as  it  was,  and  the  spirit  shall  return  unto  God,  who  gave  it." 

In  obedience  to  the  Divine  will,  our  Brother  has  been  removed 
from  earth  and  its  associations.  But,  though  he  be  dead,  shall 
he  not  live  again  ?  Yea,  verily ;  for  it  is  said  in  Holy  Writ, 
"  Though  I  walk  through  the  valley  and  shadow  of  death,  I  will 
fear  no  evil,  for  Thou  art  with  me ;  Thy  rod  and  Thy  staff  com- 
fort me.  My  flesh,  also  shall  rest  in  hope,  for  Thou  wilt  not 
leave  my  soul  in  the  grave." 

Thus,  though  we  now  deposit  in  the  earth  the  mortal  remains 
of  our  beloved  Brother,  we  have  an  assurance  of  meeting  again, 
at  the  coming  of  that  day  to  which  Hope  looks  forward  with  ar- 
dent joy,  when  the  tears  and  woes  of  this  life  shall  be  submerged 
in  the  healing  tide  that  flows  from  the  eternal  fountain  of  Divine 
Peace  and  Love. 

Our  help  is  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  though  He  cause 
grief,  yet  will  He  have  compassion  according  to  the  multitude 
of  His  mercies.  Take  heed,  then,  brethren,  lest  there  be  in  any 
of  you  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief  in  departing  from  the  living 
God.  Let  the  wicked  forsake  his  way,  and  the  unrighteous  man 
his  thoughts,  and  let  him  return  unto  the  Lord,  and  He  will  have 
mercy  upon  him,  and  to  our  God,  for  He  will  abundantly  pardon. 
In  His  presence  is  fulness  of  joy  ;  at  his  right  hand  are  pleasures 
forevermore. 

NOBLE  GRAND. 

[Casting  a  sprig  of  evergreen  into  the  grave.]  As  Odd  Fellows, 
•we  deposit  this  evergreen  in  the  grave  of  our  deceased  Brother,  as 
a  token  that  while  we  bury  his  frailties  with  his  body,  his  virtues 
shall  dwell  greenly  in  our  memories. 

[The  brothers  will  now  deposit  their  evergreens ;  after  which 
either  of  the  following  hymns  may  be  sung:] 

HYMN  I.  —  C.  M. 

Few  are  thy  days,  and  full  of  woe, 

0  man,  of  woman  born ; 
Thy  doom  is  written,  "Dust  thou  art, 

To  dust  thou  shall  return." 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  269 

Behold  the  emblem  of  thy  state 

In  flowers  that  bloom  and  die : 
Or  in  the  shadow's  fleeting  form 

That  mocks  the  gazer's  eye. 

Determined  are  the  days  that  fly 

Successive  o'er  thy  head  ; 
The  number'd  hour  is  on  the  wing, 

That  lays  thee  with  the  dead. 

Great  God,  afflict  not  in  thy  wrath, 

The  short  allotted  span 
That  bounds  the  few  and  weary  days 

Of  pilgrimage  to  man. 


HYMN  II.  — 7's. 
AIR  —  Norwich. 

Solemn  strikes  the  funeral  chime, 
Notes  of  our  departing  time, 
As  we  journey  here  below 
Through  a  pilgrimage  of  woe. 

Mortals  now  indulge  a  tear, 
For  Mortality  is  here  : 
See  how  wide  her  trophies  wave 
O'er  the  slumbers  of  the  grave. 

God  of  life's  eternal  day, 

Guide  us,  lest  from  Thee  we  stray, 

By  a  false  delusive  light, 

To  the  shades  of  endless  night. 

Lord  of  all  below,  above, 
Fill  our  souls  with  truth  and  love ; 
When  dissolved  our  earthly  tie, 
Take  us  to  Thy  home  on  high. 

PRAYER  BY  CHAPLAIN. 

Almighty  and  Eternal  God,  the  Creator  and  Redeemer  of  all 
mankind,  we  pray  Thee  to  impress  us  with  a  sense  of  the  short- 
ness and  uncertainty  of  human  life.  In  Thy  hands  alone  are  the 


270  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

issues  of  life  and  death,  and  we  humbly  beseech  Thee  to  look 
upon  us  in  mercy,  while  we  weep  with  those  that  weep.  Grant 
that  we  who  survive  may  put  our  trust  in  Thee,  and  do  those 
things  which  are  pleasing  in  Thy  sight.  0,  merciful  God,  we 
commend  to  Thy  unfailing  goodness  those  whom  it  hath  pleased 
Thee  to  add  to  the  number  of  the  sorrowing.  Remember  them 
in  mercy,  and  sanctify  thy  fatherly  correction  to  them.  Give 
them  patience  under  their  affliction,  and  resignation  to  Thy  will. 
Be  Thou  their  strength  and  shield,  and  relieve  them  according  to 
their  needs.  Bless  our  beloved  Order  here  and  everywhere. 
May  Friendship  and  Love  abide  with  us,  while  Thy  Spirit  leads 
us  in  the  way  of  Truth.  Maintain  peace  and  prosperity  within 
our  borders;  shield  us  from  the  shafts  of  enmity,  and  make  us 
dwell  in  unity  —  faithful  in  principle  and  fruitful  in  good  works. 
And  unto  Thy  holy  name  be  ascribed  the  honor  and  glory  for 
ever. 

The  Lord  bless  you  and  keep  you ;  the  Lord  make  His  face  to 
shine  upon  you,  and  be  gracious  unto  you  ;  the  Lord  lift  up  His 
fatherly  countenance  upon  you,  and  give  you  peace,  now  and 
evermore.  Amen. 


CEREMONY  TO  BE  OBSERVED  AT  THE  CELE- 
BRATION OF  THE  ANNIVERSARY  OF 
THE  ORDER. 

IF  the  meeting  be  of  the  membership  alone,  in  the 
Lodge  room,  then  the  regular  opening  ceremonies 
shall  be  gone  through  with,  and  such  other  business 
transacted  as  may  be  necessary,  which  being  done, 
the  Noble  Grand  shall  commence  the  service  of  the 
day  as  follows,  viz. : 

[NOTE. —  That  if  the  meeting  be  a  public  one,  the  above  direc- 
tion is  to  be  dispensed  with,  and  the  N.  G.  having  called  the 
meeting  to  order,  shall  say :] 

N.  G.  —  The  Worthy  Chaplain  will  invoke  the 
blessing  of  God  upon  this  meeting. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  271 

PRAYER  BY  THE  CHAPLAIN. 

Almighty  and  ever-living  God,  from  whom  cometh  every  good 
and  perfect  gift,  and  without  whom  nothing  can  prosper,  we  in- 
voke Thy  blessing  upon  us  as  we  are  here  assembled.  Direct  us 
in  all  our  doings  with  Thy  most  gracious  favor,  and  let  the  words 
of  our  mouths,  and  the  meditations  of  our  hearts,  while  we  wait 
before  Thee,  be  acceptable  in  Thy  sight,  0  Lord,  our  strength 
and  our  Redeemer.  Amen. 

N.  G.  Vice  Grand,  for  what  intent  has  this  convo- 
cation of  brethren  been  assembled  ? 

V.  G.  In  obedience  to  the  proclamation  of  the 
Most  Worthy  Grand  Sire,  in  order  that  we  may  render, 
as  is  justly  due,  devout  thanksgiving  to  the  beneficent 
and  almighty  Power,  who  has  preserved  our  lives, 
protected  and  prospered  our  beloved  Order. 

N.  G.  The  Secretary  will  read  the  proclamation  of 
the  Most  Worthy  Grand  Sire. 

[Here  the  proclamation  of  the  M.  W.  Grand  Sire,  and,  if  there 
be  one,  of  the  M.  W.  Grand  Master,  shall  be  read  by  the  Secre- 
tary.] 

N.  G.  Vice  Grand,  when  and  where  had  American 
Odd  Fellowship  its  beginning  ? 

V.  G.  In  the  city  of  Baltimore,  on  the  memorable 
day  of  which  this  is  the  anniversary,  April  26th, 
Anno  Domini  1819. 

N.  G.  Who  were  its  founders  and  first  advocates? 

V.  G.  THOMAS  WILDEY,  JOHN  WELCH,  JOHN 
DUNCAN,  JOHN  CHEATHEM,  and  EICHAKD  RUSH- 
WORTH. 

N.  G.  What  were  their  objects  and  purposes? 

V.  G.  Those  promulgated  in  all  our  charters,  viz. : 
"  For  the  aid  and  protection  of  brothers  when  in  sick- 


272  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

ness  and  on  travel,  and  for  the  purposes  of  benevo- 
lence and  charity." 

N.  G.  Was  there  any  special  rule  laid  down  for  the 
Order's  guidance,  in  the  furtherance  of  this  work? 

V.  G.  Yes,  all  is  comprehended  in  the  legend  on 
the  seal  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States, 
which  legend  is  the  mandate  of  the  Order.  "We 
command  you  to  visit  the  sick,  relieve  the  distressed, 
bury  the  dead,  and  educate  the  orphan." 

N.  G.  Was  this  rule  intended  to  apply  to  men  of 
any  particular  party  or  creed  ? 

V.  G.  No ;  it  is  comprehensive  as  the  human  race. 
It  rises  above  party,  sect  or  creed.  Here  all  believers 
in  the  one  living  and  true  God  may  unite  in  the 
bonds  of  a  universal  brotherhood. 

N.  G.  Is  it  intended  either  to  supersede  or  to  sup- 
plement creeds,  beliefs,  or  ordinances,  in  matters  of 
religion? 

V.  G.  By  no  means.  No  intelligent  individual 
can  by  any  possibility  so  construe  it.  It  assumes  no 
prerogative  of  the  spiritual.  Its  members  are  free 
and  untrammelled  in  all  that  lies  between  their  God 
and  themselves.  It  interferes  with  no  duty  which 
they,  of  conscience,  owe  to  God,  their  country,  their 
families  or  themselves.  It  is  a  minister  only  to  UAAU'S 
temporal  needs.  It  seeks  but  — 

To  meliorate  the  sorrows  of  mankind, 
Relieve  the  poor,  the  sick,  the  maim,  the  blind 
Lift  up  the  drooping  heart ;  the  widow  cheer, 
And  wipe  away  the  helpless  orphan's  tear. 
To  form  of  men  one  wide-spread  brotherhood 
Linked  only  in  the  bonds  of  doing  good. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  273 

N.  G.  Has  the  Order  been  true  to  its  assumed  mis- 
sion, and  have  its  labors  been  crowned  with  success? 

V.  (r.  Its  work  has  been  achieved  with  manifest 
imperfection,  but  with  uniform  faithfulness.  It  has 
increased  in  membership  until  the  little  band  has  be- 
come a  vast  army.  Millions  have  been  expended  in 
its  ministrations,  and  its  accumulated  millions  yet  re- 
main for  the  carrying  on  of  the  well-begun  work. 
Man  has  been  drawn  closer  to  his  brother-man ;  sorrow 
untold  has.  been  alleviated  in  the  past,  and  it  is  gather- 
ing strength  for  its  work  in  the  years  to  come.  It 
has  increased  in  excellence  as  it  has  grown  in  age. 
Gloriously  has  it  prospered,  and  its  labors  have  been 
crowned  with  most  abundant  success. 

N.  G.  Then,  my  Brethren,  it  is  meet  and  right,  and 
our  bounden  duty,  that  we  should  at  all  times,  and 
especially  on  this  day,  so  auspicious  in  the  annals  of 
our  Order,  come  before  the  Great  God,  in  whom  we 
trust,  with  heartfelt  thanksgiving  for  the  prosperity 
He  has  vouchsafed,  and  for  the  good  He  has  enabled 
us  to  do,  and,  with  hearty  acknowledgment  of  His 
hand  in  all  our  successes,  our  progress  and  improve- 
ment, to  rejoice  before  Him,  and  ascribe  to  Him  all 
the  honor  and  glory.  Let  us  sing  His  praise  ;  let  us 
thank  Him  for  the  past ;  let  us  implore  the  continu- 
ance of  His  protecting  care. 

[Either  of  the  following  hymns  may  be  sung:] 

THANKSGIVING   HYMN. 

TUNE  —  "  Coronation." 
All  glorious,  mighty  Lord,  to  Thee 

Our  grateful  song  we  raise  ; 
Blest  source  of  our  prosperity, 
Thy  guardian  care  we  praise. 
S 


274  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

Our  Order,  once  a  little  band, 

In  weakness  and  in  fear 
Besought  the  guidance  of  Thy  hand, 

Its  thorny  path  to  cheer. 

The  few,  through  Thy  preserving  care, 

Are  now  a  mighty  host ; 
And  Thou,  who  hearkened  to  our  prayer, 

Shalt  be  our  constant  boast. 

Oft  mid  despondency  and  tears, 
Our  weary  feet  have  gone  ; 

But  Thou,  through  long  eventful  years, 
Hast  safely  led  us  on. 

Then  joyfully  our  hymns  of  praise, 

In  gratitude  we  frame  ; 

Our  hallelujahs  high  we  raise 

To  Thy  Almighty  name. 


ANNIVERSARY  HYMN. 

TUNE  —  "  Old  Hundred." 
Father  of  love !  Whose  tender  care 
Hast  kept  us  through  another  year  ; 
With  tuneful  voices,  now  we  raise, 
Our  hearts  to  Thee  in  grateful  praise. 

For  mercies  past,  for  joys  to  come, 
For  health,  and  happiness,  and  home, 
For  friendship  pure,  for  love  and  truth, 
That  crown  our  age  and  cheer  our  youth:  — 

Accept  our  thanks,  our  labors  bless, 
And  to  our  efforts  grant  success, 
And  to  thine  honor  we  will  raise 
Unceasing  hymns  of  prayer  and  praise. 

N.  G.  The  Chaplain  will  lead  us  in  thanksgiving 

and  prayer. 

PRAYER. 

0  Thou,  who  rulest  in  the  armies  of  Heaven  and  doest  Thy 
will  amongst  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth,  Thou,  the  Lord  God, 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  275 

infinite  in  all  Thy  perfections,  glorious  in  Thy  holiness,  wonder- 
ful in  all  Thy  works,  we  acknowledge  Thee  as  Thou  hast  revealed 
Thyself,  as  the  source  of  life  and  of  every  blessing,  and  we  come 
before  Thee  with  our  offering  of  praise  and  thanksgiving  for  the 
goodness  and  mercy  with  which  Thou  hast  crowned  our  days. 
We  recognize  Thy  wonder-working  arm  in  the  prosperity  our 
Order  has  achieved,  and  we  would,  in  gratitude,  recall  to  mind 
the  blessings  Thou  hast  vouchsafed  to  us.  Whose  hand  but 
Thine  has  led  us  ?  Whose  power  but  Thine  has  sustained  us  ? 
Whose  eye  but  Thine  has  watched  over  us?  Thou,  and  Thou 
only,  hast  borne  with  our  sins  and  imperfections.  Thou,  and 
Thou  only  hast  shaped  our  ends  and  directed  our  steps,  and  hast 
made  our  once  feeble  few  to  be  as  a  nation  in  numbers  and 
potent  for  good.  For  what  we  are  and  have  done  of  ourselves 
we  pray  Thee  mercifully  to  forgive.  For  whatever  we  are  of 
Thy  favor,  and  have  done  with  Thy  guidance,  we  bless,  and  laud, 
and  magnify  Thy  glorious  name,  and  ascribe  to  Thee  all  the 
honor,  and  we  humbly  pray  Thee  that  the  same  all-wise,  omnip- 
otent power  that  has  shielded  and  guided  our  Order  in  the  past, 
may  be  our  leader  and  defence  in  all  the  years  to  come.  Divest 
our  Order  of  everything  contrary  to  Thy  will ;  prevent  it  from 
ever  dishonoring  Thy  great  name ;  direct  it  in  its  efforts  to  bene- 
fit mankind ;  make  it  successful  in  doing  good  ;  mould  it  accord- 
ing to  Thine  own  pleasure,  and  may  the  family  of  man  be  blessed 
by  its  ministrations,  and  thus  Thy  name  be  honored.  Make  us 
wise  to  see  and  faithful  to  improve  our  opportunities  for  doing 
good.  May  we  havejetrength  to  obey  Thee,  and  grace  ever  to 
honor  Thee,  and  may  the  day  soon  come  when  all  the  nations, 
tongues  and  kindreds  of  the  earth  shall  learn  to  do  Thy  will,  and 
the  whole  family  of  man  acknowledge  Thee  as  their  Lord,  and 
be  bound  together  in  the  ties  of  a  universal  brotherhood.  Grant 
this,  0  Lord,  and  whatever  else  Thou  seest  best  for  us,  and  let 
Thine  be  all  the  glory  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen. 

[Here  let  the  Oration  be  delivered,  if  a  speaker  has 
been  provided ;  or  otherwise,  let  the  N.  G.,  or  some 
other  qualified  brother  deputized  by  him,  read  an  ad- 
dress or  the  "  Standard  Tract."] 


276  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

ODE  — OUR  FLAG. 

TUNE — "My  Maryland:' 
Fling  wide  our  Banner!     Land  nor  sea 

Boasts  prouder  gonfalon  than  ours : 
It  points  to  higher  destiny 

Than  crowns  the  strife  of  mortal  powers. 
Its  field  of  white,  its  border  bright, 
Its  links  denoting  Union's  might, 
It  waves,  an  angel's  wing,  above, 
Proclaiming  Friendship,  Truth,  and  Love. 

CHORUS. 
Its  field  of  white,  its  border  bright,  etc. 

Wave,  Banner  of  the  triple  tie, 

In  tranquil  glory  o'er  the  land: 
No  dismal  or  ensanguined  dye 

Shall  mar  the  folds  that  here  expand. 
It  e'er  shall  share  the  brother's  prayer, 
The  Orphan  rescue  from  despair  ; 
A  benison  each  wave  shall  fling, 
And  many  a  widowed  heart  shall  sing. 
CHORUS. 

May  blessings  ever  on  it  rest, 

While  heralding  our  Order's  fame ; 

In  every  motion  manifest 
The  principles  of  good  we  claim. 

Whose  beaming  ray  shall  round  it  play 

Till  merges  in  the  night  our  day, 

And  other  generations  prize 

The  flag  that  greets  our  failing  eyes. 
CHORUS. 

BENEDICTION  BY  THE  CHAPLAIN. 

Now,  unto  Him  who  is  able  to  keep  you  from  falling,  and  to 
present  you  faultless  before  the  presence  of  His  glory  with  ex- 
ceeding joy,  I  commend  you  and  the  whole  family  of  man ;  and 
to  Him,  the  only  wise  God,  our  Saviour,  be  glory  and  majesty, 
dominion  and  power,  now  and  forever.  Amen. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  277 


CEREMONY  OR  FORM  FOR  PRESENTING  A  BAN- 
NER TO  A  LODGE. 

THE  brethren  will  assemble  in  the  Lodge-room, 
(accompanied  by  ladies  and  gentlemen  whom  they  may 
see  proper  to  invite  to  be  present  on  the  occasion,) 
where  the  banner  will  be  conspicuously  placed.  The 
officers  will  occupy  their  respective  chairs,  and  the 
chairman  of  the  presenting  committee  will  address  the 
N.  G.  as  follows  : — 

Most  Noble  Grand: — 

In  accordance  with  a  duty  confided  to  me  by  my  associates, 
I  rise  for  the  purpose  of  presenting  to  you,  and  through  you  to 
the  Lodge,  this  Banner,  which*  has  been  contributed  by  a  num- 
ber of  our  brethren,  as  a  token  of  their  esteem  for  the  Order 
and  for  the  Lodge  over  which  you  preside. 

There  are  some  men  yet  living  —  would  that  they  were  here 
to-night !  —  who  assisted  in  planting  the  first  scion  of  Odd-Fel- 
lowship in  our  soil ;  who  watched  over  its  infancy,  nursed  its 
tender  age,  and  struggled  to  keep  it  from  destruction,  at  a  peri- 
od when  it  seemed  like  hoping  against  hope  to  deem  that  it 
should  be  preserved.  Verily,  such  as  did  so  have  their  reward, 
when  they  look  around  and  mark  the  fruit  of  their 'exertions  — 
when  they  see  an  institution,  commenced  with  the  humblest 
means,  by  persons  few  in  numbers  (and  which  a  few  years  only 
since  seemed  like  a  candle  flickering  in  the  socket,  glimmering 
and  ready  to  expire),  now  numbering  hundreds  of  thousands  in 
its  ranks,  the  very  flower  of  the  land,  and  dispensing  its  benev- 
olence in  the  amount  of  almost  a  million  of  dollars  annually!  Al- 
leviating distress,  soothing  the  bed  of  sickness,  watching  over 
the  pillow  of  pain,  comforting  the  afflicted,  and  sympathizing  with 
those  who  mourn  —  these  are  the  duties  and  the  privileges  of 
Odd-Fellowship ;  and  the  consciousness  that  the  institution  pos- 

*  Or,  "  which  the  Lodge  has  ordered  and  accepted."  Or,  '•  which  a  few  gener- 
ous friends  [or,  a  generous  friend]  of  the  Order  have  [has]  bestowed,  as  a  mark 
01  their  [his]  regard." 

24 


278  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

eesses  wiihin  itself  all  the  resources  for  the  competent  discharge 
of  its  obligations,  should  be  a  reward  sufficient  even  for  those 
who  nave  toiled  so  long,  so  faithfully,  and  so  successfully  as 
they  who  first  raised  the  banner  of  the  three  odd  links  in  our 
Western  world. 

Under  this  general  Banner  of  the  Order,  we  are  proud  to 
muster  as  Odd-Fellows;  but  we  meet  this  night,  sir,  as  individ- 
uals, to  present  to  the  Lodge  a  distinctive  Banner,  under  which 
its  members  will  assemble  when  occasion  may  require  to  show 
themselves  to  the  public.  Its  broad  folds  are  now  unfurled  be- 
fore us.  Let  us  mark  it  well.  [Here  the  speaker  may  advert 
to  the  designs  or  paintings  of  the  banner.] 

Most  Noble  Grand  :  I  now  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  the  do- 
nors [or  of  the  Lodge],  present  to  you,  and  through  you  to  your 
successors  in  office,  this  beautiful  Banner,  and  in  receiving  the 
proud  flag,  I  entreat  you  and  the  brotherhood  here  to  unfurl  it 
to  the  world,  and  go  forth  among  men,  visiting  the  sick,  reliev- 
ing the  distressed,  burying  the  dead,  and  educating  the  orphan  : 
and  long  may  it  wave  in  such-  triumph  over  your  head,  Heaven 
forbidding  it  should  ever  be  polluted  by  unhallowed  hands! 

The  Noble-Grand  will  reply  as  follows:  — 

Mr.  Chairman,  and  Brothers  of  the  Committee : 

As  presiding  officer  of  this  Lodge,  and  in  behalf  of  my  col 
leagues,  the  subordinate  officers  and  brothers,  I  would  express  our 
heartfelt  gratitude  for  this  gift,  bestowed  on  our  Lodge ;  and  1 
beg  to  assure  you  that  the  remarks  you  have  made,  and  the  ex- 
hortation you  have  given,  shall  be  carefully  treasured  up  in  our 
hearts,  and  transmitted  to  those  who  may  be  honored  as  our 
enccessors. 

I  perceive,  by  the  appropriate  devices  on  the  elegant  ban- 
ner here  presented  to  us  and  to  our  Lodge,  that  it  has  been  the 
artist's  study  to  exhibit  to  view  some  of  the  more  prominent 
characteristics  of  our  beloved  Order.  Brothers !  we  honor  the 
mind  of  him  who  designed,  and  the  hand  of  him  who  executed 
these  peculiarly  beautiful  and  appropriate  insignia;  and  I  feel 
that  I  do  but  speak  the  universal  sentiment  of  my  Lodge  when 
F  say  that  they  shall  ever  be  engraven  upon  our  hearts.  We 
will  remember  the  lessons  here  taught,  and  practise  them  with 
Jelight,  at  all  times  and  on  all  occasions  when  a  brother  needs 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  279 

our  sympathy  and  aid.  The  links  that,  bind  us  shall  never,  nev- 
er be  severed ;  the  chain  shall  be  preserved  pure,  and  bright,  and 
unsullied,  until  the  silver  cord  of  life  shall  be  snapped  in  twain, 
and  our  spirits  take  their  flight  to  a  land  where  Friendship, 
Love,  and  Truth,  reign  for  ever,  in  all  their  purity  and  excel- 
lence. 

Be  assured,  brothers,  that  while  these  are  our  determinations, 
and  this  our  practice,  we  shall  in  no  case  fail  to  regard  your  elo- 
quent and  touching  exhortations  to  keep  in  view  that  philanthrop- 
ic principle  of  our  Order  which  teaches  us  to  visit  the  sick, 
relieve  the  distressed,  bury  the  dead,  and  educate  the  orphan. 

Brothers  !  you  here  behold  this  beautiful  banner,  now  your 
property.  Look  on  it,  and  treasure  up  in  your  minds  the  elo- 
quent ideas  it  speaks.  Let  them  be  deeply  impressed  on  your 
hearts  ;  so  that  in  your  course  through  life,  you  shall,  at  all  sea- 
eons  and  in  all  places,  protect  your  brother  Odd-Fellow  while 
he  sojourns  in  this  troublesome  world,  and,  when  he  is  gone  into 
another  and  better  state,  shield  his  widow  and  orphan  babes  in 
their  hour  of  need. 

An  address  appropriate  to  the  occasion  may  then 
be  delivered,  after  which  an  ode  may  be  sung,  and  an 
appropriate  prayer  by  the  Chaplain  close  the  ceremo- 
nies. 


280  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

FORMS  FOR  PROCESSIONS. 

IN  all  processions  of  the  Order,  the  following  forms  must  be 
observed : 

FORM  1. 

If  by  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  members  of  the  Patriarchal  branch 
not  participating,  the  procession  must  form  as  follows : 

Music. 
Marshal. 

Outside  Guardian. 
(With  drawn  Sword.) 

Escort — Banner — Escort. 

Scene  Supporters.    Bearing  White  Wands. 

Initiatory  Members.    Two  or  four  abreast. 

Members  of  the  White,  Pink,  Royal  Blue,  Green,  and 

Scarlet  Degrees.    According  to  Rank. 

Past  Grands,  in  order  of  Juniority.    The  highest  grade  in 
the  rear. 

Inside  Guardian. 
(With  drawn  Sword.) 

Conductor.  Chaplain.  Warden. 

(Bearing  his  Wand.)          (White  Scarf.)  (Bearing  Axe.) 

Secretary — Treasurer — Secretary. 

Supporter.  Vice-Grand.  Supporter. 

(Bearing  AVand  of  Office.)      (With  Gavel.)      (Bearing  Wand  of  Office.) 

Supporter.  Noble-Grand.  Supporter. 

(Bearing  Wand  of  Office.)      (With  Gavel.)      (Bearing  Wand  of  Office.) 


FORM  2. 

If  by  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  members  of  the  Patriarchal  branch 
participating,  the  procession  shall  form  as  follows : 

Music. 

Marshal. 

Outside  Guardian. 

(AVith  drawn  Sword.) 

Escort — Banner — Escort. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  281 

Scene  Supporters.    Bearing  White  Wands. 

Initiatory  Members.     Two  or  four  abreast. 

Members  of  the  White,  Pink,  Royal   Blue,  Green,  and 

Scarlet  Degrees.    According  to  Eank. 
Members  of  the  Scarlet  Degree  who  have  taken  the  Patri- 
archal Degrees. 

Past  Grands.    Not  possessing  the  Patriarchal  Degrees. 
Past  Grands,  who  are  members  of  the  Patriarchal  branch. 

Inside  Guardian. 
(With  drawn  Sword.) 

Conductor.  Chaplain.  Warden. 

(Bearing  his  Wand.)         (White  Scarf.)  (Bearing  Axe.) 

Secretary — Treasurer — Secretary. 

Supporter.  Vice-Grand.  Supporter. 

(Bearing  Wand  of  Office.)      (With  Gavel.)      (Bearing  Wand  of  Office.) 

Supporter.  Noble-Grand.  Supporter. 

(Bearing  Wand  of  Office.)      (With  Gavel.)      (Bearing  Wand  of  Office.) 


FORM  3. 

If  an  Encampment  turns  out  as  an  Encampment,  it  must  form 
in  the  following  order : 

Music. 

Marshal. 
Outside  Sentinel. 

(With  drawn  Sword.) 

Members  in  order  of  Juniority.    Two  and  four  abreast. 
Past  Officers  in  order  of  Juniority 

Inside  Sentinel. 
(With  drawn  Sword.) 

Junior  Warden  and  Guide. 

Scribe  and  Treasurer. 
Fourth  Watch— Senior  Warden—  Third  Watch. 

Guard  of  Tent.         High-Priest.         Guard  of  Tent. 
(With  Spear.)  (With  Spear.) 

Second  Watch— Chief  Patriarch— First  Watch. 
24* 


282  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

FORM  4. 

A  Grand  Lodge,  when  in  procession,  must  be  formed  in  the 
following  order,  and  take  position  in  the  rear  of  the  subordinate 
branch. 

Music. 

Grand  Marshal. 
Escort — Banner — Escort. 

(Carried  by  the  Grand  Herald.) 

Grand  Guardian. 
(With  drawn  Sword.) 

Members  of  the  Grand  Lodge.    In  order  of  Juniority. 

Appointive  Past  Grand  Officers.    According  to  Rank. 

Elective  Past  Grand  Officers.    According  to  Eank. 

Grand  Secretary.  Grand  Treasurer. 

Grand  Conductor.     Grand  Chaplain.     Grand  Warden. 

Sup.  by  a  P.G.M.     Dep.  Grand  Master.     Sup.  by  a  P.G.M. 

Sup.  by  a  Gr.  Eep.       Grand  Master.       Sup.  by  a  Gr.  Eep. 


FORM  5. 

When  a  Grand  Encampment  is  in  procession  it  will  take  pre- 
cedence, and  the  Grand  Marshal  thereof  will  control  the  proces- 
sion, in  which  case  he  will  be  in  front  of  the  procession. 

Grand  Marshal. 
Outside  Sentinel. 

(With  drawn  Sword.) 

Members  of  the  Grand  Encampment.   In  order  of  Seniority. 
Appointive  Past  Grand  Officers.    According  to  Rank. 

Elective  Past  Grand  Officers.    According  to  Rank. 
Grand  Junior  Warden.  Grand  Senior  Warden. 

Grand  Scribe.  Grand  Treasurer. 

Past  High-Priest.    M.E.Gr.  High-Priest.    Past  High-Priest 

(Bearing  Crook.)  (Bearing  Crook.) 

Gr.  Rep.  M.  W.  Grand  Patriarch.  Gr.  Rep. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  283 

FORM  6. 

In  case  the  Grand  Encampment,  Grand  Lodge,  and  subordi- 
nates of  both  branches  are  in  procession,  the  following  will  be 
the  order: 

Subordinate  Lodge. 

Subordinate  Encampment. 

Grand  Lodge. 
Grand  Encampment. 

If  there  is  no  Grand  Encampment,  but  a  Subordinate  Encamp- 
ment, the  procession  shall  form  as  follows : 

Subordinate  Lodge. 

Subordinate  Encampment. 

Grand  Lodge. 

If  a  Subordinate  Lodge  turns  out  with  a  Grand  Lodge,  they 
will  form  as  follows : 

Subordinate  Lodge. 
Grand  Lodge. 

Brothers  engaged  in  processions  will  wear  regalia 
suitable  to  the  Degrees  to  which  they  may  have  at- 
tained. When  two  or  more  Lodges  or  Encampments 
walk  in  procession,  they  form  severally  as  above ;  and 
the  younger  Lodge  or  Encampment  should  precede 
the  elder.  All  officers  in  processions  should  wear 
the  jewel  of  their  office.  Chaplains  usually  carry  the 
Bible.  The  Marshals  should  walk  on  the  left  of  the 
procession,  near  the  heads  of  the  divisions  under' their 
charge.  Lodges  and  Encampments  inviting  other 
Lodges  or  Encampments  to  unite  in  procession  with 
them,  should  head  the  procession. 


284  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


RULES 

For  Subordinate  Lodges,  and  D.  D.  G.  Masters,  in  Corre 
spending  willi  the  Grand  Lodge,  on  Questions  of  Law  and 
Usage. 

THE  D.  D.  Grand-Master,  as  the  Representative  of 
the  Grand-Master  and  Agent  of  a  Grand  Lodge,  must 
correct  all  irregularities  and  illegalities  of  Lodges  and 
their  members  within  his  district,  and  decide  in  wri- 
ting all  questions  of  law  and  order  properly  presented 
to  him  for  that  purpose. 

All  Lodges  and  members  in  his  district  may  pre- 
sent any  questions  of  law  and  usage  which  may  actu- 
ally arise,  to  the  D.  D.  Grand-Master  for  his  decision. 

All  questions  of  law  or  usage  must  be  clearly  stated 
in  writing,  with  a  statement  of  the  circumstances  under 
which  they  have  arisen,  and  must  be  signed  by  the 
member,  or  officers  of  the  Lodge,  proposing  the  same. 

All  questions  thus  proposed  must  be  answered  in 
writing,  under  seal  of  the  D.  D.  Grand-Master,  and 
signed  by  him. 

If  any  appeal  from  such  decision  is  made  by  the 
Lodge  or  member,  it  must  be  accompanied  by  the 
decision  appealed  from,  or  a  copy  thereof,  certified  as 
correct  under  seal  of  the  Lodge,  and  the  reasons  for 
the  appeal,  addressed  to  the  Grand-Master. 

No  communication  from  any  member  or  subordinate 
Lodge,  on  questions  of  law  and  usage  (except  an  ap- 
peal as  aforesaid,  or  a  formal  complaint  against  the 
D.  D.  Grand-Master),  should  be  received  by  the  Grand- 
Lodge  officers,  unless  the  same  comes  under  the  seal 
and  endorsement  of  a  D.  D.  Grand-Master. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  285 

The  D.  D.  Grand-Master  of  each  district  must  file 
all  questions  presented  or  arising  for  his  decision,  en 
dorsing  thereon  or  filing  therewith  a  copy  of  his  decis- 
ion in  each  case.  And  he  must  also  keep  a  record  of 
each  case  and  each  decision  in  a  book  provided  for 
that*  purpose,  together  with  a  memorandum  of  each 
irregularity  corrected  by  him.  And  he  must  affix  to 
each  item  the  number  and  name  of  the  Lodge,  or  name 
and  Lodge  of  the  member  thus  corrected,  with  the  date 
of  such  correction.  Said  book  and  papers  to  be  con- 
sidered as  the  property  of  the  office,  and  to  be  deliv- 
ered up  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  its  agent,  accord- 
ingly. 

At  least  once  in  every  six  months  he  must  present 
said  file  of  questions  and  decisions,  or  said  books  of 
records  and  minutes,  to  the  Grand-Master,  for  review 
and  correction  or  approval,  or  for  reference  to  the 
Grand  Lodge. 

A  copy  of  all  complaints  or  appeals  by  Lodges 
must  be  furnished  to  the  D.  D.  Grand-Master  com- 
plained of  or  appealed  from,  and  time  be  allowed  him 
for  reply,  before  proceedings  shall  be  instituted  against 
him,  or  his  decision  be  reversed;  and  all  communica- 
tions on  such  decisions  from  the  Grand  Lodge  to  her 
subordinates,  should  be  first  communicated  to  the  D.  D. 
Grand-Master,  and  by  him  be  made  known  to  the 
Lodge. 

Any  communication  placed  in  the  D.  D.  Grand- 
Master's  hands  for  a  member  or  subordinate  Lodge, 
or  for  the  Grand  Lodge  or  its  officers,  should  be  by 
him  forwarded  as  addressed,  without  any  further  delay 
than  may  be  absolutely  necessary  to  read  the  same,  and 
certify  to  its  genuineness  if  need  be. 


286  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

Any  D.  D.  Grand-Master,  or  other  officer  of  a 
Grand  Lodge,  or  any  subordinate  Lodge  or  member 
thereof,  neglecting  the  duties  or  violating  the  obliga- 
tions imposed  by  these  Rules,  may  be  proceeded  against 
as  for  the  violation  of  any  other  duty,  obligation,  law, 
or  usage,  of  the  Order ;  and  on  conviction  thereof  after 
fair  trial,  may  be  punished  according  to  the  heinousness 
of  his  offence,  at  the  discretion  of  the  triers  having 
authority  in  the  case.* 


APPLICATION  FOR  DEGREES. 

ANY  brother  in  good  standing,  who  shall  have  been. 
a  member  of  the  Order  for  the  full  period  of  blank, f 
may  apply  personally  or  otherwise,  in  open  Lodge, 
for  a  certificate  to  entitle  him  to  receive  the  Degrees 
of  the  Order. 

On  application  for  the  Degrees,  the  Lodge  must  be 
opened  in  the  Degree  applied  for.  In  no  case  can 
the  ballot  be  taken  when  the  Lodge  is  open  in  the 
Initiatory  Degree.  Three  black  balls  reject. 

In  all  cases  the  certificate  must  be  directed  to  the 
Degree  Lodge  (if  one  is  established  in  the  district ) ; 
if  not,  to  the  Noble-Grand  or  Degree  Master,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  confer  or  cause  them  to  be  conferred 

*  The  above  are  the  Rules  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Pennsyl- 
vania. They  are  such  as  may  very  properly  apply  to  all  Lodges 
and  D.  D.  Grand-Masters :  hence  we  have  introduced  them  in 
the  "  Text-Book." 

f  The  time  varies  in  the  several  States. 


ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  287 

in  proper  form.  In  districts  where  there  is  no  Degree 
Lodge,  the  Degrees  may  be  conferred  in  the  subordi- 
nate Lodges  of  the  district  respectively.  The  Lodge 
must  be  kept  open  for  that  purpose,  and  the  Degrees 
conferred  in  the  presence  and  with  the  assistance  of 
the  officers  and  members  of  the  Lodge  who  may  have 
received  the  Degrees  about  to  be  conferred,  who  alone 
are  entitled  to  be  present. 

The  fees  to  be  paid  on  receipt  of  the  certificate  must 
be  regulated  by  the  By-Laws  of  the  several  Lodges. 
In  case  the  Degrees  are  not  conferred  by  a  Degree 
Lodge,  the  fee  for  conferring  the  Degree  belongs  to 
the  Lodge  granting  the  certificate. 


THE   DEGREE   OF   REBEKAH. 

THE  beautiful  Degree  of  Rebekah  has  been  aptly 
called  "the  crowning  excellence  of  the  Order."  It 
was  authorised  by  a  decided  vote  at  the  session  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States,  held  in  Sep- 
tember, 1851.  It  was  suggested  and  originated  by 
HON.  SCHUYLER  COLFAX,  of  South  Bend,  Indiana, 
by  whom  also  it  was  written.  The  committee 
appointed  by  the  Grand  Sire  to  prepare  it,  were 


288  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

Reps.  SCHUTLER  COLFAX,  of  Indiana,  WILLIAM  T. 
MARTIN,  of  Mississippi,  and  E.  G.  STEEL,  of  Ten- 
nessee. The  Degree  went  into  operation  on  the  1st 
of  January,  1852. 

There  are.  many  excellent  reasons  for  the  Degree 
of  Rebekah.  Its  author  has  given  some  of  them  in 
the  following  paragraphs  : — 

"  1.  It  will  tend  to  increase  the  resources  of  subor- 
dinate Lodges,  by  the  advance  of  members  in  the 
Degrees.  It  affords  an  additional  incentive  for 
brethren,  and  an  additional  argument  for  those 
allied  to  them,  to  induce  them  to  progress  upward 
in  the  Order. 

"  2.  It  will  complete  the  present  imperfect  system 
in  force  in  most  of  the  jurisdictions,  by  which  wives' 
and  widows'  cards  are  now  authorized.  By  sec- 
tions 12,  13,  and  14,  of  l  Digest/  page  37,  wives' 
and  widows'  cards  can  be  granted  to  run  for  a  year, 
and  to  be  signed  by  the  officers  of  the  Lodge,  and 
countersigned  by  the  recipient  on  the  margin.  This 
is  for  the  purpose  of  affording  protection,  in  times  of 
difficulty,  to  those  who,  by  the  theory  of  our  Order, 
have  a  right  to  claim  our  friendly  assistance. 

"  3.  It  will  lessen  and  ultimately  destroy  the 
prejudice  felt  against  the  Order,  by  many  of  the 
fairer  sex  in  various  portions  of  the  Union ;  and 
which,  undeniably,  often  tends  to  prevent  accessions 
of  members  in  subordinate  Lodges. 

"4.  It  can  be  made  to  assist  Odd-Fellowship  in 
peculiar  cases  of  brothers'  sickness.  In  many  such 
the  kindly  nursing  of  woman  is  needed  far  more 
than  the  assiduous  and  constant  attendance  of  man ; 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  289 

for  she  was  formed  to  minister  at  the  conch  of 
affliction  ;  and  in  the  watching  which  our  laws  so 
strictly  provide  for,  we  only  strive  to  compel  the 
observance  of  what  is,  in  her,  instinct — the  prompt- 
ings of  nature,  the  impulse  of  the  heart." 

The  Degree  of  Rebekah  may  be  conferred  on 
all  members  of  the  Order  in  good  standing  who 
shall  have  received  the  Scarlet  Degree,  and  on  their 
wives.  It  is  gratuitously  bestowed  on  all  qualified 
persons.  There  are  in  it,  as  in  other  Degrees  of  the 
Order,  certain  signs  and  passwords  by  which  mem- 
bers may  be  recognized.  A  scarlet  member  duly 
qualified,  desiring  this  degree  to  be  conferred  on  his 
wife,  must  make  application  to  the  N.  G.  v.f  his 
Lodge,  who  will  call  a  special  meeting  for  the  pur- 
pose of  conferring  it.  The  meeting  being  convened, 
and  the  ladies  present,  in  all  cases  accompanied  by 
their  husbands,  the  initiatory  ceremonies  will  be 
performed  by  the  N.  G.  and  assistants  At  the 
close  of  the  ceremonies,  the  ladies  and  their  hus- 
bands will  retire.  No  business  whatever,  excepting 
that  of  conferring,  can  be  done  in  the  Degree  of 
Rebekah.  The  preliminaries  must  all  be  settled  in 
the  subordinate  Lodge.  We  particularly  make  this 
statement,  because  an  erroneous  impression  has 
prevailed  that  "  women  are  to  be  introduced  to  the 
Lodges." 

The  Degree  of  Rebekah  is  destined  to  become 
universally  popular.  It  is  deserving  of  such  appreci- 
ation. The  Friendship  and  confidence  of  Woman 
will  do  much  to  advance  the  interests  of  Odd-Fel- 
lowship. Her  influence  through  this  Degree,  being 
25  T 


290  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'   TEXT-BOOK. 

exerted  on  our  members,  will  tend  to  make  them 
faithful  to  their  obligations  and  to  their  brethren. 

Woman  does  not  shrink,  as  men  often  do,  from 
the  duties  required  of  us  towards  the  distressed.  It 
has  been  beautifully  said  of  her,  "that  she  was 
earliest  at  the  cross  and  latest  at  the  sepulchre." 

In  securing  the  friendship  of  Woman,  therefore, 
and  inspiring  her  confidence  by  instructing  her  in 
the  true  principles  of  the  Order,  we  acquire  advan- 
tages, both  individually  and  collectively,  that  must 
not  only  elevate  our  character  as  Odd-Fellows,  but 
which  will  also  often  procure  for  us,  in  sickness  or 
distress,  a  consolation  that  shall  be  invaluable. 

Who  would  not  desire  such  friendship  as  Woman 
can  bestow  in  the  time  of  trial  ?  Who  like  her  can 
console  in  sickness — who  so  charmingly  encourage 
in  trouble?  Who  has  not  experienced  her  gentle 
influence  as  mother,  sister,  wife  ?  It  is  no  great 
compliment  to  her  that  we  have  at  last,  as  Odd- 
Fellows,  decided  to  take  her  into  our  confidence.  It 
would  have  been  better  if  we  had  done  this  long  ago. 

Thousands  have  received  the  Degree  of  Rebekah, 
and  they  have  given  the  Order  no  cause  to  regret  that 
our  temples  have  been  opened  for  their  admission. 
Many  Lodges  have  been  immensely  benefited  through 
their  influence  in  inducing  young  men  to  unite  them- 
selves with  the  Order.  The  natural  regard  of  a 
mother  for  the  welfare  of  her  offspring  has  prompted 
the  correct  conclusion  that  the  happiness  of  her  sons 
will  be  more  certain  under  the  watchful  supervision 
of  an  organization,  some  of  the  beauties  of  which  she 
has  herself  seen,  than  it  can  be  unguarded  by  such 
surroundings.  Not  only  has  she  seen  this  m  the  case 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  291 

of  her  sons,  but  in  that  of  her  daughters  also  has  she 
been  urgent  that  their  future  lives  and  happiness  should 
be  committed,  when  they  leave  her  roof,  to  men  pledged 
to  the  duties  which  Odd-Fellowship  requires.  Hence 
in  numerous  instances  has  her  influence  prevailed 
with  the  visitors  of  her  family,  as  well  as  with  its 
members. 

For  seventeen  years  this  Degree  was  merely  tolerated 
by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States.  Its  benefi- 
cial effects  on  the  Order  led  progressive  men  from  va- 
rious sections  of  the  country  to  labor  for  years  for  its 
establishment  as  a  part  of  Odd-Fellowship ;  but  not  till 
the  Annual  Communication  of  1868  was  there  any  legis- 
lation authorizing  its  organization  as  an  auxiliary  to  the 
Order.  At  that  session  a  special  Committee  reported 
the  following  resolutions,  which  were  adopted,  reserving 
to  local  Grand  Lodges  the  right  to  accept  or  reject  the 
Degree  in  their  respective  jurisdictions : 

Resolved,  That  the  Grand  Lodges  subordinate  to  this  R.  W, 
Grand  Lodge  be  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  and  empowered 
to  institute  Degree  Lodges  of  the  Daughters  of  Rebekah,  at  such 
places  as  they  may  deem  proper  within  their  territorial  limits, 
to  possess  the  powers  and  enjoy  the  privileges  following: 

1.  To  confer  the  Degree  of  Rebekah  on  such  Scarlet  Degree 
members  and  their  wives  as  present  a  certificate  from  a  Lodge 
located  in  the  district  designated  in  the  charter  of  such  Degree 
Lodge,  and  also  to  confer  the  said  Degree  on  widows  of  Odd- 
Fellows  presenting  certificates  from  Lodges  to  which  their  hus- 
bands were  members  at  the  time  of  their  decease. 

2.  To  elect  and  appoint  their  own  officers  in  the  manner  pre- 
scribed by  their  By-laws.     All  officers  to  hold  their  offices  for  six 
months  or  one  year,  as  prescribed  by  the  subordinate  Grand  Lodge. 

3.  To  hold  regular  and  special  meetings  as  provided  by  the 
By-laws. 

4.  To  fix  and  establish  dues,  to  be  paid  monthly,  quarterly, 
semi-annually,  or  annually,  as  the  By-laws  may  provide,  and  to 
provide  by  By-laws  when  those  in  arrears  for  dues  shall  be 


292  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

dropped  from  the  roll  of  members.  Any  brother  or  sister  within 
the  district  designated  in  the  charter  may  become  a  member  on 
paying  the  dues  provided  by  the  By-laws ;  and  any  brother  may 
continue  such  member  so  long  as  he  remains  a  member  of  his 
Subordinate  Lodge  in  good  standing,  and  pays  his  dues  to  the 
Degree  Lodge,  and  any  sister  may  remain  a  member  so  long  as 
her  husband  is  entitled  to  remain  a  member,  or  so  long  as  she 
remains  his  widow  and  pays  her  dues  to  the  Lodge.  All  Degree 
Lodges  shall  consist  of  at  least  ten  members,  five  of  each  sex, 
and  all  in  good  standing  shall  participate  in  the  proceedings  of 
the  Lodge. 

6.  To  pay  and  disburse  from  the  funds  of  the  Lodge,  for  the 
relief  of  the  sick,  the  destitute,  or  the  distressed,  from  time  to 
time,  as  a  majority  of  the  members  present  shall  by  vote  deter- 
mine, or  as  shall  be  otherwise  provided  by  the  By-laws. 

6.  To  establish  such  By-laws  and  Rules  of  Order,  not  incon- 
sistent herewith,  or  with  the  rules,  usages,  and  general  regula- 
tions of  the  Order,  as  they  may  deem  proper,  subject,  however, 
to  the  approval  of  the  Grand  Lodge  to  which  they  are  subordi- 
nates. 

Resolved,  That  the  Grand-Sire,  Deputy  Grand-Sire,  and  Grand 
Corresponding  and  Recording  Secretary  be  authorized  to  insti- 
tute Degree  Lodges  of  the  Daughters  of  Rebekah  in  any  territory 
under  the  immediate  jurisdiction  of  this  R.  W.  Grand  Lodge, 
and  that  such  Lodges  possess  the  power  and  enjoy  the  privileges 
of  other  Rebekah  Degree  Lodges. 

Resolved,  That  the  widow  of  an  Odd-Fellow  who  had  not 
attained  the  Scarlet  Degree,  but  who  was  in  good  standing  at 
the  time  of  his  death,  may  receive  the  Degree  of  Rebekah  at  the 
option  of  the  Lodge  of  which  her  husband  was  a  member  at  the 
time  of  his  death. 

Resolved,  That  the  Grand  Corresponding  and  Recording  Sec- 
retary be  instructed  to  prepare,  and 'cause  to  be  printed,  Cer- 
tificates of  Membership  for  the  Daughters  of  Rebekah,  to  be 
furnished  to  Lodges  at  not  less  than  double  the  cost,  and  that 
the  sum  of  $100  be  appropriated  for  that  purpose  from  any 
money  in  the  treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated. 

The  following  resolutions  upon  the  subject  were 
adopted  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States  in 
1877. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  293 

Resolved,  That  hereafter  the  only  qualification  for  office  in  a 
Lodge  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah  shall  be  — 

1.  Such  member  shall  be  an  actual  contributing  member  in  good 
standing  in  such  Lodge. 

2.  No  member  shall  be  eligible  to  the  office  of  Noble  Grand  un- 
less previous  service  is  shown  in  the  office  of  Vice  Grand  in  a 
Lodge  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah  or  Subordinate  Lodge. 

Resolved,  That  the  term  P.  W.  of  the  Subordinate  Lodge  shall 
not  be  applicable  to  or  used  in  a  Lodge  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah, 
and  the  passwords  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah  shall  alone  be  used  by 
both  sexes  therein,  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  January,  1878. 

Resolved,  That  all  former  legislation  in  conflict  with  the  fore- 
going resolutions,  is  hereby  repealed. 

NOTE.  —  The  Degree  of  Rebekah  is  an  honorary  degree,  to 
be  conferred,  under  the  regulations  adopted  by  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  the  United  States,  upon  such  Scarlet  Members  and  their 
wives  as  may  desire  to  receive  it ;  but  the  officers  of  all  Lodges 
which  are  in  possession  of  the  work  ought  to  be  in  regular  posses- 
sion of  the  degree,  upon  the  same  principle  that  they  are  required 
to  assume  other  obligations  belonging  to  their  official  stations. 

The  annual  P.  W.  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah  must  be  given  at 
the  outer  door,  and  the  Lodge  may  sing  any  part  of  the  Odes  at 
the  time  that  ladies  are  introduced  by  the  Conductor. 

Widows  (of  brothers  in  good  standing  who  may  have  deceas- 
ed after  the  adoption  of  the  degree,  September  20,  1851),  if  they 
still  remain  widows,  may  receive  the  degree  in  the  Lodge  of 
which  their  husbands  were  members,  by  the  assent  of  the  Lodge, 
and  providing  that  other  ladies  with  their  husbands  are  also 
present  for  the  purpose  of  initiation  in  the  degree.  —  Decisions 
of  the  G.  L.  of  the  U.  S.  at  the  Session  of  1852. 


ADDRESSED   TO   THE   LADIES. 

All  good  things  do,  or  should,  receive  the  counte- 
nance and  support  of  the  ladies.      We,  as  Odd-Fel- 
lows, are  bold  to  say,  that  we  are  clearly  deserving  o» 
such  consideration  from  the  fair  half  of  creation. 
25* 


294  THE  ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK. 

It  has  been  customary  with  some  to  apologize  to  the 
othei  sex  for  their  exclusion  from  our  Order.  We 
know  not  on  what  ground  their  exclusion  can,  by  pos- 
sibility, be  considered  objectionable.  We  regard  that 
sex  too  highly  to  palter  with  or  to  flatter  it.  We  might 
indeed  say,  and  say  with  somewhat  of  truth,  that  their 
very  charms  might  be  productive  of  disunion  in  the 
Lodge  ;  that  concord  and  brotherly  affection  would 
vanish  and  give  place  to  the  ardor  of  love,  the  bitter- 
ness of  rivalry,  and  the  fantasies  of  violence  and  jeal- 
ousy ;  and  that  the  mild  and  sensitive  nature  of  the  sex, 
apt  as  it  is  to  embrace  and  follow  every  good  thing, 
needs  not  combination  to  strengthen  its  good  impul- 
ses, or  new  incentives  to  impel  it  in  the  course  of  vir- 
tue and  benevolence.  While  we  disclaim  all  doubt  of 
the  prudence  and  retentiveness  of  woman,  we  might 
imagine  many  flattering  reasons  for  their  non-admis- 
sion;  but,  in  our  humble  judgment,  apology  is  unne- 
cessary. The  simple  truth  is  this  :  woman  is  not  enti- 
tled to,  and  seeks  not,  a  place  among  us.  Our  Insti- 
tution was  originally  intended  and  framed  exclusively 
for  the  men,  and  the  various  modifications  it  has  un- 
dergone have  not  adapted  it  to  the  other  sex.  They 
could  not  with  propriety,  in  conformity  with  the  usa- 
ges of  the  world,  take  part  in  our  private  assemblages, 
without  exposing  themselves  to  the  censoriousness  of 
the  age.  Their  peculiar  tastes  and  duties  alike  unfit 
them  for  the  transaction  of  matters  which  require  ac- 
tion, and  lie  more  properly  within  the  province  of  their 
partners  in  life. 

We  shall  not  argue  at  length  the  reasons  why  ladies 
may  not  become  rnernbe*s  of  our  association.     For 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  T tf XT-BOOR.  295 

we  are  persuaded  that  these  are  obvious  to  all  who 
will  take  the  pains  to  reflect  upon  the  relative  positions 
of  men  and  women.  While  man  is  called  upon  to  go 
forth  into  the  world  and  fight  its  battles,  woman's  place 
is  at  the  home-altar,  as  the  high-priestess  of  that  sacred 
spot;  and  her  business — one  which  she  well  under- 
stands—  is  to  cheer  him  in  his  rough  journey,  and  to 
nerve  him  to  proceed  in  it  with  faith  and  patience. 

Yet  it  can  not  be  evaded,  or  denied,  that  Odd-Fel- 
lowship has  been,  and  in  some  instances  is  yet,  op- 
posed by  our  fair  countrywomen.  Why  is  this  so  ? 
Why  should  Woman,  with  her  softness  and  kindness, 
her  fidelity  as  a  wife,  her  devotedness  and  love  as  a 
mother,  her  charity  as  a  Christian,  object  to  an  Insti- 
tution which  has  been  clearly  proven  of  incalculable 
good  to  the  human  race  ?  Our  homes  for  the  blind, 
for  the  deaf  and  dumb,  for  the  poor  and  destitute,  and 
for  the  unfortunate  creature  of  man's  lust,  have  all 
been  reared,  and  are  sustained,  under  her  fostering 
care  and  patronage  :  she  has  sfrewed  chaplets  of  flow- 
ers in  the  patriot's  path  of  glory  ;  her  handiwork  "floats 
on  the  banners  of  our  Sunday-schools  and  temperance 
societies  ;  her  influence  and  labor  are  enlisted  in  almost 
every  enterprise  of  good  that  has  blessed  humanity  : 
why,  then,  we  ask,  should  she  discountenance  a  society 
which  has  for  its  sole  object  the  amelioration  of  man- 
kind? 

This  question,  we  are  convinced,  may  be  answered 
in  a  very  few  words  — "  It  is  a  secret  society  for  gen- 
tlemen only!"  Here  is  the  secret  of  woman's  hostility 
to  Odd-Fellowship :  and  on  this  subject  we  shall, 
therefore,  beg  to  reason  with  her.  In  order  to  do  so 
with  some  show  of  success,  we  can  not  do  bettor  than 


29fi  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

to  present  the  following,  which  was  written  by  one  of 
her  own  sex,  and  sent  to  us,  years  ago,  for  insertion 
in  "  The  Rainbow,"  an  Odd-Fellows'  periodical  which 
we  edited  in  1841 :  — 

"  I  propose,  with  your  permission,  to  offer  to  the 
ladies  a  few  plain  and  well-meant  remarks  upon  this 
subject  of  secrecy,  as  many  have  formed  erroneous 
opinions  concerning  it  and  your  Institution.  They 
think  that  there  must  be  something  wrong  where  there 
is  so  much  secrecy  ;  and  as  I  intend  to  show,  in  my 
few  remarks,  that  female  influence  is  sensibly  felt  in 
society,  I  particularly  wish  to  undeceive  them  on  this 
subject.  In  my  own  mind  there  is  no  doubt  but  the 
ridiculous  assertions  that  are  made  against  the  Order 
are  thrown  out  to  mislead  the  uninformed,  and  preju- 
dice the  public  mind,  by  those  who  know  nothing  con- 
cerning the  Institution.  I  have  taken  great  interest  to 
find  out  this  '  grand  secret,'  as  it  is  called,  which,  1 
believe,  is  only  the  mode  of  initiation,  and  the  signs 
by  which  the  members  recognise  one  another.  What 
they  are  I  can  not  tell,  only  that  they  are  calculated  to 
make  deep  impressions  on  the  minds  of  men.  I  choose 
rather  that  the  ladies  would  trace  the  history  of  this  In- 
stitution themselves.  The  principles  of  Odd-Fellow- 
ship are  published  to  all  the  world,  and  may  be  known 
to  others  as  well  as  by  the  members.  I  more  particu- 
larly wish  the  married  ladies  to  study  them  out,  fof 
many  are  prejudiced  against  it,  and,  as  a  matter  of 
course,  think  they  are  perfectly  right  in  opposing  their 
husbands.  And  many  think,  too,  that,  because  woman 
is  excluded,  there  is  and  must  be  a  deep  mystery 
attached  to  it.  This  is  perfectly  nonsensical.  Why 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  297 

is  it  that  woman  is  excluded  from  the  halls  of  legisla- 
tion, from  political  meetings,  and  from  the  noise  and 
bustle  of  military  pomp  ?  You  answer,  because  it  is 
altogether  inconsistent  with  our  feelings  and  station. 
So  it  is  here.  Woman  must  content  herself  to  rule  at 
home  :  she  should  view  her  home  as  her  kingdom.  If 
a  woman  were  to  go  into  the  world  —  if  she  were  to 
mingle  in  the  strifes  of  public  life,  and  devote  her  time 
and  attention  to  business  concerns  equally  with  the 
men — in  what  condition  would  be  our  homes?  It  is 
for  her  to  cultivate  the  opening  intellect,  and  to  en- 
etamp  moral  and  religious  impressions  upon  the  mind, 
in  the  days  of  infancy  and  childhood,  which  will  en- 
dure throughout  life.  It  is  a  sister's  privilege  to  watch 
over  a  younger  brother,  and  gradually  to  lead  him  in 
the  path  of  rectitude  and  duty ;  to  enforce  upon  the 
tender  mind  those  very  principles  taught  in  the  Lodg*1 
by  precept  and  example  —  Friendship,  Love,  and 
Truth.  Then,  when  that  brother  arrives  at  the  age 
of  manhood,  lie  perhaps  associates  with  those  who  in- 
fuse by  practice  those  truths  imbibed  in  childhood  , 
and,  however  high  he  may  ascend  in  riches,  in  rank, 
in  honors  —  however  low  he  may  sink  in  poverty  and 
disgrace  —  he  can  never  forget  the  home  of  his  youth. 
When  the  siren  voice  of  Pleasure  would  fain  tempt 
him  aside,  the  voice  of  his  sister  or  the  counsels  of  his 
mother,  whisper  in  his  ear,  '  Resist  the  tempter !'  And 
is  not  this  woman's  province  —  this  her  field  of  action 
— this  the  scene  of  her  highest  usefulness?  Why 
then  does  she  aspire  to  that  which  is  not  consistent 
with  the  laws  of  nature  and  the  will  of  her  Creator  ? 
Then  let  no  opposition  be  shown  to  your  partner  in 
life  ;  rather  rejoice  that  he  associates  with  the  good  and 


298  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

just,  and  sooner  urge  him  to  attend  more  regularly  to 
his  duty.  If  I  understand  anything  of  Odd-Fellow- 
ship, I  believe  its  elementary  features  are  Benevolence 
and  Charity  ;  and  if  I  am  right  in  my  opinion,  these 
are  indeed  its  noblest  attributes.  If  such  be  the  fact, 
should  we,  as  ladies  of  sound  sense  and  discernment, 
oppose  it  because  it  may  appear  to  us  mysterious? 
Nay  !  We  should  rather  exert  ever}  power  we  possess 
to  befriend  and  advance  a  cause  which,  despite  our 
objection,  is  one  of  the  noblest  ever  devised  by  man. 
1  have  reasons  for  this  assertion  in  the  amount  of  hap- 
piness I  have  seen  it  confer  upon  several  of  my  friends, 
and  in  the  true  moral  excellence  which  I  have  observed 
among  those  of  its  members  who  appear  to  feel  a  deep 
interest  in  its  welfare." 

Thus  much  did  our  lady-correspondent  and  friend 
remark  concerning  "  Odd-Fellowship  and  the  Ladies," 
and  we  sincerely  commend  her  observations  to  those 
ladies  who  may  have  objected  to  our  Order  on  the 
ground  of  its  secrecy  and  exclusiveness. 

Odd-Fellowship,  as  we  have  shown  in  the  pages  of 
this  work,  is  a  Society  founded  in  the  purest  philan- 
thropy. "  It  scatters  its  blessings,  like  the  dews  of 
heaven,  alike  upon  the  rich  and  the  poor,"  the  high 
and  the  low,  the  strong  and  the  weak.  WOMAN  largely 
shares  these  blessings.  Fond  and  devoted  wife  !  need 
we  tell  thee  that  this  is  a  life  of  mixed  good  and  evil  ? 
—  that  the  storm  and  the  whirlwind  succeed  the  calm 
and  the  sunshine?  —  that  disappointment,  bitter  grief, 
and  sad  reverses,  are  the  lot  of  mortals?  He  who 
lately  led  thee  to  the  bridal  altar  may  to-morrow  be 
laid  on  the  death-couch,  and  exchange  his  marriage- 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  299 

vesture  for  the  winding-sheet  and  the  shroud  !  Wouldst 
thou  desire  the  commiseration  and  sympathies  of  his 
brethren  —  they  who  have  pledged  themselves,  by  an 
obligation  "  heard  in  heaven,"  to  protect  and  comfort 
thee  in  thine  hour  of  despair?  Tender  mother!  as 
thou  bendest  with  untiring  watchfulness  over  thy  fair 
child,  and  hushest  to  rest  every  murmur  that  may  dis- 
turb the  gentle  slumber  of  thy  loved  one,  remember 
that,  if  thy  babe  should  never  need  the  friendship  of 
Odd-Fellows  (Heaven  only  knows  what  is  in  the  fu- 
ture!) —  there  are  "pale  faces  of  little  children"  all 
around  thee,  who  clasp  no  mother's  knee,  "  the  envied 
kiss  to  share ;"  and  for  their  sake,  if  not  for  that  of 
thine  own  dear  one,  do  not  discourage  Odd-Fellow- 
ship. Fond  sister!  if  thou  wouldst  live  more  fondly 
in  the  friendship  of  thy  brother  —  if  thou  wouldst  en- 
large thy  enjoyments  in  his  society,  and,  leaning  upon 
him,  feel  a  proud  consciousness  of  his  virtue  and  his 
worth,  induce  him  to  become  acquainted  with  the  spirit 
of  Odd-Fellowship.  Fair  maiden  !  thou  who  occa- 
sionally repressests  the  strong  impulses  of  the  heart, 
and  quietests  the  promptings  of  love,  to  meditate  in 
deep  solicitude  and  anxiety  upon  the  uncertainty  of  the 
future  —  wouldst  thou  take  for  that  future  a  strong  and 
certain  bond  of  indemnity,  persuade  the  object  of 
thy  affection  to  embrace  the  cause  of  Friendship,  Love, 
and  Truth. 

From  these,  and  a  thousand  other  reflections,  which 
we  have  neither  space  nor  time  to  name,  we  entreat 
our  fair  readers  that  they  will  not  discourage  Odd- 
Fellowship,  but  that  they  will  rather  aid  it  by  their 
smile  and  approval.  We  assure  them  that  they  are 
deeply  interested  in  its  welfare  —  that  it  can  cause  their 


300  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

no  possible  injury,  but  that  it  may  procure  them  and 
theirs  much  real  good.  Their  happiness  is  not  the 
least  object  of  its  care.  It  will  shed  the  sunlight  of 
joy  and  consolation  on  the  dark  scenes  of  their  lives  — 
cheer  and  sustain  them  in  their  hour  of  trial  —  come, 
it  may  be,  to  their  aid,  when  all  other  friends  fail 
them  ! 


TO  THE  UNINITIATED. 

THE  experience  of  every  considerate  mind  must 
teach  the  fleeting  and  transitory  nature  of  worldly  pos- 
sessions, and  the  uncertainty  of  health,  which  is  to  all 
the  greatest  earthly  blessing  that  can  be  enjoyed,  and 
the  deprivation  of  which  to  the  greater  portion  of 
mankind  is  the  suspension  of  the  necessary  means  of 
existence. 

The  frugal  ant,  guided  by  a  benevolent  instinct  of 
unerring  Nature,  improves  the  sunny  hour  to  husband 
up  its  store  ere  the  approach  of  barren,  cheerless  win- 
ter :  and  the  impulse  which  here  prompts  this  petty 
member  of  the  brute  creation  to  action  in  its  own  be- 
half is  the  same  impulse  which  gave  our  Order  birth  ; 
brought  by  process  of  intellect  to  that  admirable  system 
which  distinguishes  the  first  of  God's  creation  when 
exerted  in  a  noble  and  righteous  cause. 

The  condition  in  which  man  finds  himself  placed 
on  earth,  as  both  an  individual  and  a  member  of  the 
social  compact,  is  fully  calculated  to  develop  the  finer 
features  of  his  nature.  He  perceives  that  his  own  hap- 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  301 

piness  depends  upon  the  welfare  of  those  to  whom  he 
is  connected  by  the  most  inseparable  ties  ;  his  sensitive 
mind  can  not  contemplate  distress  and  misery  without 
a  shudder  of  pity  and  a  desire  to  alleviate  it ;  and  thus, 
from  his  own  magnanimous  nature,  he  becomes  an  ac- 
tive and  willing  agent  in  the  cause  of  benevolence, 
friendship,  and  charity. 

But  to  dispense  charity  with  a  discriminate  hand,  to 
extend  effectual  relief  to  worthy  objects,  it  is  necessary 
that  some  systematic  form  of  procedure  be  established 
for  the  purpose  of  rendering  that  relief  mutual ;  and 
we  may  here  see  the  first  grand  principle  of  our  Order. 
He  who  enters  our  ranks,  subscribes  to  our  regula- 
tions, pays  his  moiety  for  our  support,  becomes  virtu- 
ally a  shareholder,  entitled  to  all  its  privileges  and 
immunities,  and  in  the  dark  hour  of  gloom  and  suffer- 
ing, the  honest  "  grip"  of  a  brother  Odd-Fellow  will 
warm  his  heart,  soothe  his  weary,  sleepless  couch,  and, 
unlike  the  fawning  pretensions  of  too,  too  many  sun- 
shine friends,  yield  him  something  more  substantial 
than  that  poor  consolation  which  words  and  professions 
alone  can  offer  to  the  frame  borne  down  with  long  suf- 
fering, rendered  still  more  hideous  by  the  too  near 
approach  of  want. 

He  who  lawfully  seeks  relief  from  this  source  comes 
not  in  the  shape  of  the  humble  alms-asking  applicant, 
with  cap  in  hand,  to  solicit  the  poor  pittance  which 
inconsiderate  Plenty  gives,  and  yet  too  often  denies,  to 
sorrow-stricken  Poverty.  Here  is  no  compromising 
of  that  manly  independence  which  is  his  proudest 
boast;  his  wants  are  anticipated,  and  he  receives  back 
with  interest  the  bounty  which  he  freely  gave,  ere  Mis- 
fortune cast  her  murky  shades  around  him. 
26 


302  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

But  this  is  but  a  recapitulation  of  facts  well  known  , 
and  the  question  is,  whether  Odd-Fellowship,  if  car- 
ried  out  upon  the  principles  which  now  identify  it,  will 
effect  the  grand  object  of  its  aim,  to  protect  from  the 
pangs  of  want  those  who  enrol  themselves  upon  its 
lists.  The  sum  necessary  to  become  a  member  is  by 
no  means  large,  when  the  privileges  conferred  are 
taken  into  consideration,  together  with  the  fact  that  it  is 
called  for  in  the  hour  of  prosperity. 

A  long  array  of  facts  and  figures  might  be  cited  to 
prove  that  this  Order  will  answer  its  intended  object ; 
but  the  necessity  of  adducing  such  proofs  as  these  is 
uncalled  for,  the  experiment  speaking  for  itself;  nearly 
all  the  Lodges  in  this  country  being  in  a  prosperous 
condition,  ready  and  willing  at  all  times  to  meet  all 
just  demands  against  them. 

The  sentiment  upon  which  our  Institution  depends 
most  for  support  and  existence  is  the  sentiment  of  true 
brotherhood,  that  mutual  principle  which  should  prompt 
to  lay  aside  all  personal  differences  and  sacrifice  all 
party  considerations  for  the  benefit  of  the  general  weal. 
The  effect  of  this  dangerous  spirit — personal  and  party 
difference  —  may  be  read  upon  nearly  every  page  of 
the  world's  history.  Institutions  laid  upon  foundations 
more  solid  and  enduring,  perhaps,  than  our  own,  have 
felt  its  shivering  force  and  gone  down  to  oblivion,  and 
live  only  upon  their  timeworn  and  worthless  records. 
Nations  standing  high,  rejoicing  in  an  industrious  pop- 
ulation, with  all  the  appliances  and  means  of  endurance, 
have  been  struck  from  their  high  and  splendid  emi- 
nence, and  become  the  "  schoolboy's  dream,  the  won- 
der of  an  hour !"  This  baneful  spirit  can  never  be 
productive  of  aught  but  evil,  and  every  true  Odd-Fel- 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS    TEXT-BOOK.  303 

low  is  called  upon,  by  the  most  emphatic  and  forcible 
considerations,  to  frown  upon  the  approach  of  this 
insidious  and  destroying  hydra.  Where  fellowship  is 
the  nerve,  and  amity  and  good-will  the  aim,  Peace  and 
Plenty  sit  like  household  gods  upon  our  altar-places. 

This  Institution,  when  considered  in  a  moral  point 
of  view,  may  be  pronounced  one  of  the  most  splendid 
undertakings  ever  set  on  foot ;  no  spectacle  so  grand 
to  the  eye  can  be  presented,  as  men  coming  volunta- 
rily forth  to  the  relief  of  the  distressed  and  suffering. 
Science,  with  unceasing  energy,  may  soar  beyond  the 
visible  diurnal  sphere,  and  weigh  with  faultless  balance 
innumerable  suns  and  systems,  and  bring  down  to  the 
ken  of  earthly  vision  newly-discovered  worlds,  to  the 
great  delight  of  the  philosopher  and  scholar :  but  see 
the  "  friend  of  man"  bending  o'er  the  emaciated  form 
of  his  brother,  presenting  to  his  fevered  lips  the  cool- 
ing draught,  and  say  which  appears  more  benign,  more 
Godlike ! 

The  nature  of  our  Institution,  by  its  formation,  is 
eminently  calculated  to  inculcate  feelings  of  liberality, 
to  soothe  all  feelings  of  bigotry  and  prejudice.  Here 
may  be  seen  members  of  the  most  hostile  sects  and 
parties,  forgetting  for  the  time  their  peculiar  tenets  and 
predilections,  and  mingling  together  in  fellowship  and 
love. 

The  world  abounds  with  institutions  founded  with 
benevolent  views ;  but  how  many  of  them  are  estab- 
lished upon  the  narrow  basis  of  party,  or  sect,  or 
nation  !  They  indeed  dispense  aid  to  the  sufferings 
of  those  of  their  own  fraternity,  but  their  rules  prevent 
the  admittance  of  all  except  those  who  are  qualified 
by  the  circumstances  of  creed,  nation,  or  profession. 


304  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

No  such  qualification  is  here  required ;  the  test  neces- 
sary for  admission  into  our  Order  is,  a  good  reputa- 
tion and  character  for  morality  and  honor ;  it  heeds 
not  whether  the  man  be  a  native  of  the  Old  or  New 
World,  Jew  or  Gentile,  rich  or  poor :  at  his  approach 
our  portals  open,  he  enters  and  becomes  a  brother. 

The  tendency  of  Odd-Fellowship  upon  the  minds 
and  characters  of  its  members,  independent  of  the 
direct  aid  which  it  confers,  is  well  calculated  to  de- 
velop those  fine  and  social  feelings  which  are  the  honor 
of  our  nature.  It  inculcates  morality  by  the  most, 
forcible,  and  I  may  say  practicable  lessons ;  it  teaches 
men  the  sweetness  of  friendship  and  affection,  and 
renders  every  man  more  fit  to  fulfil  his  duties  as  the 
head  of  his  own  household  and  as  a  member  of  the 
community.  Its  expressive  mottoes  and  axioms  are 
most  acceptable  to  the  moral,  the  benevolent,  and  the 
charitable.  By  them,  men  are  reminded  of  their  duty 
toward  their  God,  their  families,  and  their  neighbors. 
In  the  Lodge-room  they  listen  to  exhortations  which 
must  banish  all  evil  and  improper  thoughts  from  their 
breasts,  and  render  them  good  and  peaceful  members 
of  society. 

Odd-Fellowship  to  young  men  is,  indeed,  a  benefit. 
It  may  be  called  a  powerful  conservator  of  their  mor- 
als, and  morality  is  the  great  safeguard  of  health.  The 
mi  ids  of  the  most  pure  und  well-meaning  will  some- 
times go  astray,  sometimes  turn  aside  from  the  plain 
avenue  of  virtue,  to  glean  the  flattering  flowers  that 
stand  temptingly  by  the  waysides,  siren-like,  to  allure 
and  destroy  the  infatuated  votary.  The  world  pre- 
sents too  many  seductive  pleasures  for  the  minds  of 
all  to  withstand  :  for  living  instances  of  this  kind,  we 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  305 

need  not  go  far.  Let  any  review  the  course  of  his 
own  observation  —  look  around  the  circle  of  his  own 
acquaintance  —  and  behold  how  many  young  men,  full 
of  promise  and  hope,  with  splendid  intellect  and  ca- 
pacity, have  lost  their  fair  fame  by  some  impetuous 
act,  and  become  objects  of  loathing  and  pity ;  how 
many,  in  the  unguarded  hour  of  conviviality,  have 
raised  the  flowing  goblet  to  their  lips  by  way  of  healthy 
salutation  to  their  friends,  meaning  no  ill,  and  little 
dreaming  of  the  sad  fate  that  awaited  them !  See 
many  of  them  now!  watch  the  eye,  that  once  sparkled 
with  healthy  vision,  flickering  with  a  sickly  and  ghastly 
hue  —  ambition,  that  load-star  of  youth,  beaming  no 
more  for  them  —  all  pride  gone,  all  respect,  all  energy, 
and  the  weak  frame  tottering  to  the  inebriate's  prema- 
ture grave  !  A  sad  spectacle  ;  yet  such  as  all  have 
witnessed.  Fortune,  too,  has  her  votaries ;  and  the 
gaming-table  displays  its  glittering  heaps  to  those  who 
would  stake  fame,  honor,  soul,  family,  and  all,  against 
the  yellow  earth,  and,  in  the  essay  to  win,  lose  all  — 
and  seal  their  wretchedness  through  life. 

When  we  claim  for  our  Order  those  qualities  which 
tend  to  prevent  these  disastrous  circumstances,  we 
claim  for  it  no  more  than  its  equitable  due  ;  each  Odd- 
Fellow  being  bound  by  the  most  sacred  obligation  to 
advise  and  counsel  a  brother,  to  notify  him  of  danger, 
and  to  stand  as  a  guardian  of  his  morals,  reputation, 
and  health. 

The  wide  extent  of  our  Order,  and  the  immense 
addition  that  has  been  made  to  it  within  the  last  few 
years,  evince  that  the  prejudice  with  which  secret 
societies  were  once  received  is  now  fast  fleeing  away; 
the  effects  of  the  existence  of  this  Order  have  spoken 
26*  U 


306  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOCK. 

in  its  behalf;  and  the  general  sentiment  prevails,  tha: 
men  whose  actions  are  guided  by  philanthropy  and 
benevolence  can  not  prove  dangerous. 

In  regard  to  the  secrecy,  which  is  the  only  possible 
objection  to  our  Order,  we  have  spoken  of  it  in 
preceding  pages  of  this  work.  The  world  has  been 
favored  with  innumerable  dissertations  upon  secret 
societies,  and  their  real  or  supposed  effect  on  the  morals 
of  the  people ;  and  they  have  all  come  to  one  and  the 
same  conclusion,  that  they  may  be  justifiable  where 
secrecy  is  necessary.  We  know  that  we  possess  no 
more  secrecy  than  is  indispensable  to  our  existence, 
and,  accordingly,  we  feel  little  compunction  at  the 
mysterious  nature  of  our  Order.  Every  Odd-Fellow 
has  sound  views  upon  this  theme.  Ours  is  not  that 
awful  secrecy  which  would  frown  from  our  precincts 
all  visiters,  at  all  times,  and  impress  silence,  with  a 
mysterious  air,  upon  all  who  would  inquire  into  our 
principles ;  but  we  do  and  must  possess  certain  signs 
and  emblems  that  will  make  us  known  to  each  other, 
and  protect  us  from  the  imposition  of  designing  and 
unprincipled  men. 

We  rank  among  our  fraternity  many  of  the  eminent 
men  of  the  land  —  eminent  for  intellect  and  capacity-- 
eminent for  the  purity  and  probity  of  their  actions  ; 
men  who  have  given  hostages  to  the  world  for  the  full 
performance  of  their  duties ;  and  none  can  suppose 
that  they,  with  a  full  knowledge  of  its  nature,  would 
remain  connected  with  it  if  it  were  different  from  what 
it  professes  to  be  —  an  institution,  the  object  of  which 
is  to  relieve  the  wants  of  its  brethren. 

The  violent  politician  finds  neither  place  nor  time 
within  the  Lodge  to  promulgate  his  peculiar  views  and 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  307 

opinions ;  the  infatuated  sectary  finds  here  no  respon- 
sive converts  to  his  faith  :  here  men  must  lay  aside 
their  predilections,  and  incite  to  the  grand  work  of 
benevolence. 

America,  from  its  peculiar  physical  nature,  is  highly 
favorable  to  the  growth  of  institutions  of  a  democratic 
and  benevolent  tendency.  The  tone  of  popular  sen- 
timent is,  generally  speaking,  liberal  and  considerate ; 
and  anything  proposed  for  the  alleviation  of  human 
suffering,  for  the  furtherance  of  the  general  good,  in 
nearly  all  cases  meets  with  encouragement  and  sup- 
port. Schools  for  the  education  of  all  classes  now 
exist  in  profusion  throughout  the  land  ;  asylums  for 
the  retirement  of  those  who  have  become  shattered  and 
broken  down  by  the  storms  of  mental  vicissitude  may 
be  seen  in  all  sections  of  the  country :  and,  when  we 
consider  that  the  most  of  these  splendid  charities  are 
the  fruits  of  voluntary  subscription,  we  are  justly  proud 
of  the  land  we  live  in  ;  we  can  not  pronounce  her 
name  without  feeling  our  hearts  to  overflow  with  grati- 
tude and  joy.  Here,  upon  the  continent  of  young 
America,  humanity  has  found  a  safe  and  hospitable 
shelter  from  the  blighting  effects  of  persecution.  Here 
young,  bright-eyed  Liberty  sought  a  refuge  from  her 
lawless  ravishers,  and  found  a  welcome  home  and 
brave  defenders.  Here  Friendship,  Love,  and  Truth, 
the  principles  of  Odd-Fellowship,  have  found  a  genial 
and  healthy  soil. 

Odd-Fellowship  is  genuine  republicanism.  We  do 
not  insinuate,  by  this,  that  it  has  anything  to  do  in  the 
political  movements  of  the  day :  it  has  no  business, 
nor  does  it  desire  to  have,  with  the  various  parties  in 
State  politics  that  array  themselves,  in  clamorous  strife. 


308  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

against  each  other.  When  we  say  that  Odd-Fellow- 
ship is  republicanism,  we  mean,  that  in  the  dispensation 
of  its  government,  and  the  bestowment  of  its  bounties 
and  honors,  the  people,  the  members,  bear  the  rule  and 
share  equal  and  undisputed  rights.  In  reference  to  its 
organization  and  body  politic,  we  may  say  with  Sir 
William  Jones  :  — 

"  What  constitutes  a  state  ? 
Not  high-raised  battlement  or  labored  mound, 

Thick  wall  or  moated  gate  ; 

Not  cities  proud,  with  spires  and  turrets  crowned ; 
Not  bays  and  broad-armed  ports : 

No:  men  —  high-minded  men  — 
With  powers  as  far  above,  dull  brutes  endued, 

In  forest,  brake,  or  den, 
As  beasts  excel  cold  rocks  and  brambles  rude  ; 

Men,  who  their  duties  know, 
But  know  their  rights,  and,  knowing,  dare  maintain, 

Prevent  the  long-aimed  blow, 
And  crush  the  tyrant  while  they  rend  the  chain— 

These  constitute  a  state." 

It  is  the  nature  of  our  country  and  her  laws  to 
receive  to  her  bosom  the  homeless  exile,  to  protect 
him  from  political  persecution.  And  it  is  our  duty, 
as  countrymen  and  as  Odd-Fellows,  to  welcome  our 
needy  brethren  from  the  lands  beyond  the  sea,  and  to 
contribute  our  "  mite"  to  the  alleviation  of  their  mis- 
ery. We  shall  still  go  on  in  our  "  labor  of  love," 
disseminating  the  principles  that  unite  us  as  brothers, 
till  the  clouds  of  human  suffering,  which  now  shroud 
in  gloom  so  many  of  our  fellow-creatures,  shall  burst 
and  roll  away,  before  the  approach  of  that  sun  which 
shall  be  hailed  as  the  rnagic  focus  of  brilliant  radii, 
formed  by  the  tokens  and  elegant  emblems  of  our  Order. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  309 


ODD-FELLOWSHIP  AND  PATRIOTISM. 

OUR  Order  is  no  political  association.  We  are 
taught,  as  Odd-Fellows,  to  be  subservient  to  the  "  pow- 
ers that  be,"  and  to  obey  strictly  the  laws,  yet  we  give 
no  political  pledges — we  are  united  by  no  political 
bond  of  union — we  aspire  not  to  any  political  authority. 
We  are  bound  by  our  obligations  to  perform  all  the 
duties  which  can  be  required  of  good  citizens ;  and  a 
violation  of  any  of  these  laws,  if  proven  against  a  mem- 
ber of  our  Fraternity,  will  subject  him  to  immediate 
expulsion  from  our  Society.  We  do  not  profess  to  a 
love  of  country  beyond  that  of  other  men :  in  our  teach- 
ings we  counsel  and  inculcate  peace  and  deprecate 
war;  but  in  defence  of  the  honor  or  the  rights  of  their 
native  land,  Odd-Fellows  would  not  be  the  last  to  re- 
spond to  her  call.  As  a  proof  of  this  assertion,  we 
might  refer  to  the  hundreds  of  our  brothers  who  en- 
rolled themselves  in  the  regiments  of  the  volunteers  in 
the  Mexican  war :  and  we  might  also  say  that,  while 
the  bones  of  many  of  them  were  left  on  the  fields  of 
battle  in  a  foreign  land,  their  names  and  virtues  are 
yet  green  in  our  memory;  and  that,  though  on  earth 
we  shall  never  again  grasp  their  hand  in  friendship, 
yet  we  confidently  expect  to  meet  them  in  the  Odd- 
Fellows'  home  of  glory  ! 


310  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


ODD-FELLOWSHIP   AND    RELIGION. 

THIS  Order  is  no  religious  association  ;  yel,  "  Do 
unto  others  as  you  would  they  should  do  unto  you"  is 
the  fundamental  basis  on  which  the  entire  fabric  of 
Odd-Fellowship  reposes.  It  assumes  no  higher  au- 
thority than  the  regulation  of  the  moral  action  of  its 
members,  while  it  confides  an  elucidation  of  the  sub- 
lime requisites  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures  to  the  minis- 
ters of  Religion.  It  demands  no  obligations  which 
would  in  the  slightest  degree  violate  a  man's  duty  to 
his  God,  his  country,  his  neighbor,  or  his  family.  It 
exacts  no  perilous  vows  which  would  implicate  his 
fealty  to  his  spiritual  persuasions ;  for  it  comprehends 
and  embraces  men  of  every  creed,  sect,  tenet,  and  reli- 
gious denomination.  It  repudiates  infidelity,  but  it 
assumes  not  that  prerogative  which  the  Great  Searcher 
of  hearts  has  reserved  to  himself  alone.  "  Judge  not, 
that  ye  be  not  judged,"  is  the  rule  of  action  to  every 
member  of  this  Fraternity. 

The  depravity  of  man  renders  it  expedient  for  means 
to  be  employed  to  lead  him  from  the  paths  of  vice  to 
those  of  virtue  :  and  this  should  be  done  by  inculca- 
ting the  divine  precepts  of  the  Bible.  This  is  what 
we  do.  But,  while  we  teach  those  precepts  in  a  man- 
ner peculiar  to  ourselves,  we  do  not  war  with  the  prin- 
ciples of  any  sect.  Jew  or  Gentile,  Catholic  or  Protest- 
ant, is,  as  such,  welcome  to  our  Lodges  and  our  hearts. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  311 


AN  ADDRESS  FOR  THE   USE   OF 
ODD-FELLOWS. 

[WE  have  introduced  this  Address  in  the  "  TEXT-BOOK"  for  a  specific 
purpose,  as  follows :  It  frequently  occurs  that  Lodges,  especially  in  remote 
rural  districts,  having  occasion  for  some  public  demonstration,  lack  a 
"  speaker,"  and  are  obliged  to  send  for  one  a  long  way  from  home,  at  great 
expense.  To  obviate  this  necessity  and  cost,  this  Address  may  very  prop- 
erly be  used,  by  some  brother  of  the  Lodge,  who  could  easily  commit  it  to 
memory  and  deliver  it.  To  the  audience  generally  it  will  most  likely  be 
new,  and  therefore  as  interesting  as  some  Addresses  for  which  the  Lodge 
might  be  required  to  pay  fifty  or  a  hundred  dollars.] 

RESPECTED  AUDITORS  :  We  have  assembled  this 
evening  to  contemplate  a  subject  on  which,  if  we  can 
not  be  of  one  heart  and  one  mind,  we  can  at  least 
coolly  examine  its  claims  to  public  confidence  and 
favor.  The  sacredness  of  this  place,  the  aspect  of  this 
audience,  the  motives  connected  with  the  occasion  that 
Das  brought  us  here,  and  the  unanimity  of  the  friendly 
feeling  which  pervades  community  in  reference  to  equal 
rights  and  freedom  of  speech,  are  earnests  to  us  of  a 
patient  hearing  and  a  candid  judgment.  Like  Paul 
before  King  Agrippa,  I  may  say :  "  I  am  happy,  be- 
cause I  shall  answer  for  myself"  this  evening,  touching 
the  things  connected  with  an  Association  now  known 
far  and  wide  by  the  unique  appellation  of  "  ODD-FEL- 
LOWSHIP." It  is  expected  that  one  pretending  to  teach 
others  will  know  something  himself.  He  who  lectures 
on  astronomy  or  geology,  is  supposed  to  understand 


312  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

something  of  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  as  an  indis- 
pensable guaranty  that  his  hearers  may  become  ac- 
quainted with  their  sublime  features  and  mysteries. 
Shunning  a  labored  and  extended  introduction,  I  enter 
at  once  on  the  task  assigned  me  this  evening.  I  could 
have  wished  that  this  task  had  been  assigned  to  abler 
hands :  but  "  such  as  I  have,  give  I  unto  thee." 

We  shall,  in  the  first  place,  ask  what  Odd-Fellow- 
ship is  ? 

2.  What  it  has  done  and  is  now  doing  for  the  good 
of  men? 

3.  Are  there  causes  in  the  social,  physical,  and  rela- 
tive condition  of  our  race,  for  its  operations? 

4.  By  what  means  will  it  be  crowned  with  success? 
The   question,   "What   is  Odd-Fellowship?"   you 

have  heard  answered  perhaps  repeatedly ;  peradven- 
ture  you  have  answered  it  yourselves.  If  you  will 
apply  to  a  physician  to  ask  what  the  nervous  system 
is,  and  to  a  chemist  to  teach  you  the  law  of  affinity  and 
repulsion  — if  you  inquire  of  a  Christian  to  know  what 
Christianity  is — I  ask  no  more,  at  present,  than  a  few 
moments  for  an  Odd-Fellow  to  tell  what  Odd-Fellow- 
ship is.  Would  you  go  to  the  writings  of  Hobbs, 
Rousseau,  Voltaire,  or  Paine,  to  know  the  claims  and 
influences  of  the  Christian  religion  ?  Then  do  not 
receive  from  Rumor's  tongue  her  hasty  verdict,  nor 
the  partial  decisions  of  Prejudice.  Odd-Fellowship  is 
a  philanthropic  Institution.  If  there  are  secret  cords 
which  bind  its  members  together,  that  have  not  been 
found  out,  and  which  would  not  be  condemned  if  they 
were,  yet  one  of  its  vital  energies  and  of  its  foundation- 
pillars  is  Philanthropy.  Men  are  here  associated,  for 
the  purpose  of  doing  good  to  their  fellow-men.  This 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  313 

fnstitution  recognises  the  fact  which  is  written  in  Tear- 
ful emblems  on  the  broad  face  of  the  creation,  that  mis- 
fortune, and  misery,  and  death,  are  in  the  earth.  Where 
we  find  men  like  ourselves,  there  we  find  the  "  pesti- 
lence that  walketh  in  darkness  and  wasteth  at  noon- 
day." Where  we  find  inhabitants,  there  too  the  sigh 
is  uttered — the  tear-drop  falls  from  Sorrow's  cheek. 
Where  the  laughing  and  merry  children  meet  and  gam- 
bol on  the  green,  or  sport  in  the  meadow ;  where  the 
song  of  the  young  villagers,  and  the  clangor  of  busy 
life,  and  the  rattling  wheels  of  industry  are  heard,  there 
too  the  widow  utters  her  lamentation,  and  the  helpless 
orphan  cries  in  the  bitterness  of  bereavement — there 
are  the  pillows  of  death,  and  the  fresh  and  new-dug 
graves.  Odd-Fellowship  was  organized,  not  for  the 
purpose  of  ridding  the  world  of  these  pains  and  sor- 
rows—  not  to  reorganize  the  present  state  of  things  — 
but  to  meliorate  and  soften  the  evils  to  which  humanity 
is  subject.  It  is  an  association  of  philanthropists,  who, 
regarding  all  men  as  themselves,  mortal,  and  subject 
to  the  miseries  and  reverses  of  the  world,  would  unite 
their  means  and  efforts  to  smooth  the  haggard  features 
of  Want,  and  soften  the  iron  bands  of  Misfortune  and 
Poverty.  Philanthropy,  in  its  high  and  broad  sense, 
knows  no  favorites ;  it  goes  to  the  prison-house,  to  the 
damp,  dark  cell,  to  the  tattered  cottage,  to  every  place 
where  humanity  suffers,  where  the  chains  clank  and 
"  the  iron  eats  into  the  soul  ;"  wherever  there  is  mis- 
ery, its  soft  voice  is  heard  like  the  rush  of  an  angel's 
wing,  and  its  hands  apply  the  remedy  and  the  antidote. 
Now  if  it  be  said  that  the  philanthropy  of  Odd-Fellow- 
ship is  a  stinted  and  contracted  one  —  that  it  is  confined 
to  its  own  members  —  the  same  objection  may  be  urged 
27 


314  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

against  other  benevolent  institutions,  against  Christi- 
anity itself,  and  the  present  order  of  society.  The  in- 
junction of  the  gospel,  "  Heaven's  best  gift  to  man,"  is, 
"  Do  good  unto  all  men,  especially  unto  the  household 
of  faith."  Can  we  say  that  Christianity  is  not  a  system 
of  philanthropy,  because  it  prescribes  especial  and  par- 
ticular beneficence  to  its  advocates?  The  presenter 
ganization  of  the  social  community  in  which  we  live 
is  such,  from  the  ties  of  family  and  kindred  consan- 
guinity, that  if  the  most  philanthropic  man  among  us 
should  see  two  children,  one  of  them  his  own,  about  to 
be  devoured  by  a  ravenous  beast,  and  he  could  save 
but  one  of  them,  he  would  preserve  his  own  child  and 
let  the  other  perish.  This  would  not  vitiate  his  phi- 
lanthropy. It  is  no  valid  objection,  then,  against  our 
Compact,  that  it  gives  a  preference  as  regards  its  bene- 
factions to  its  members.  It  will  be  remembered,  too, 
that  the  members  of  every  Lodge  have  claims  that  are 
not  of  universal  application.  They  have  contributed 
their  earnings  into  the  funds ;  their  money  is  there  ; 
and  they  should  be  entitled,  by  a  claim  superior  to 
others',  to  draw  it  out  from  these  funds  when  the  day 
of  adversity  comes. 

But  I  remark  again,  Odd-Fellowship  is  a  domesti- 
cating Institution.  I  mean  by  this,  that  it  unites  indi- 
viduals together  as  a  family  or  household,  in  which 
there  is  a  mutual  and  reciprocal  feeling  of  kindness 
and  brotherly  love.  Do  we  not  all  know  the  influences, 
and  associations,  and  endearments,  that  cluster  around 
the  almost  magic  words,  "  home,  sweet  home"  ?  The 
venturous  youth  on  the  high  mountain-wave  thinks  of 
his  home.  The  kind  mother  has  there  smoothed  his 
sick-pillow,  and  eased  his  aching  head,  and  felt  proud 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  315 

of  her  bonny  boy  as  he  conned  his  lessons  and  chased 
the  gossamer  butterfly  across  the  flowery  meadows. 
Often  when  the  tempests  threaten  and  the  thunders 
roll,  she  sleeps  not  till  her  prayer  ascends  for  her 
sailor-boy  to  Him  who  "  rides  upon  the  wings  of  the 
wind" — who  commands,  and  the  lightnings  cease. 
Yea,  there  is  a  kind  of  charm  that  goes  with  us  all  our 
life  long,  that  "  grows  with  our  growth  and  strengthens 
with  our  strengths,"  that  cornes  up  in  its  thrilling  and 
bewitching  revery,  when  we  think  of  our  home.  The 
parent  was  there ;  he  laid  the  foundation-stone  in  the 
temple  of  our  glory  :  there  we  were  learned  the  sweet 
music  of  love  —  there  we  revelled  in  the  delights  of 
the  purest  affection  of  earth.  There  we  were  taught 
the  best  of  all  governments,  the  government  of  our- 
selves. There  the  brother  smiled  in  joy  when  we 
were  happy,  and  the  sister  and  the  mother  wept  when 
we  were  sad.  Similar  to  this  is  the  social  Compact  of 
which  we  are  speaking :  it  recognises  the  duty  and 
office  of  father,  brother,  and  friend.  Like  the  children 
that  gather  around  the  domestic  hearth  of  one  father — 
bound  together  by  the  bonds  of  fraternal  love  —  so 
Odd-Fellows,  if  they  are  true  to  their  principles  and 
obligations,  make  their  Lodge  a  peaceful  and  desirable 
home  —  a  home  in  which 

"Reflection,  reason,  still  the  ties  improve  — 
At  once  extend  the  interest  and  the  love ; 
And  still  new  deeds,  new  helps,  new  habits,  rise, 
That  graft  benevolence  on  charities." 

It  will  be  said  that  there  are  individuals  in  the  Order 
who  are  strangers,  in  both  heart  and  conduct,  to  prin- 
ciples of  this  fraternal  character.  We  pretend  not  to 


316  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

deny  this,  as  humiliating  as  the  concession  may  appear. 
But  do  not  charge  this  Institution  with  moulding  and 
forming  the  character  of  such  men  ;  do  not  say  the 
genial  and  legitimate  tendency  of  the  Association  is 
demoralizing.  This  would  be  to  say  that  Christianity 
betrayed  its  own  Founder  with  a  kiss,  and  by  its  influ- 
ence led  Peter  to  curse  and  to  swear.  This  would  be 
saying  that  there  is  no  true  religion  —  that  it  is  not 
founded  on  charity  —  because  men  have  put  it  on  as  a 
cloak  to  rob  and  destroy.  It  would  be  saying  that  the 
whole  system  of  medicine  is  a  phantom  or  a  farce,  be- 
cause some  arrant  quacks  have  attempted  to  use  the 
pill-box  and  the  lancet.  -  We  say,  then,  Odd-Fellow- 
ship is  of  a  domestic  nature.  Its  members  find  ties  of 
friendship  and  cords  of  love  strong  and  endearing  as 
those  that  unite  the  inmates  of  a  well-regulated  and 
happy  family.  He  who  once  enters  this  family  circle 
will  find  the  principle  developed  which  was  exhibited 
by  one  of  old :  "  Let  there  be  no  strife,  1  pray  thee, 
between  us,  for  we  are  brethren." 

Once  more,  I  observe,  this  is  an  Institution  of  mu- 
tual relief.  The  members  deposite  in  the  treasury  of 
their  Lodge  a  weekly  and  monthly  due,  which  in  the 
sunny  days  of  health  and  prosperity  they  can  easily 
spare,  and  which  returns  to  them  with  seven-fold  bles- 
sings when  disease  has  prostrated  them  on  a  bed  of 
sickness.  What  industrious  mechanic  can  not  lay 
aside  four  or  five  dollars  a  year  from  his  earnings,  to 
go  into  the  funds  of  his  Society?  This  small  sum 
may  be  saved  in  the  retrenchment  of  some  of  his  luxu- 
ries, perhaps ;  or  a  hat,  a  coat,  a  pair  of  boots,  a  party 
less  costly  than  usual  by  a  dollar,  will  afford  the  re- 
quired sum.  This  yearly  amount  comes  back  to  a 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  317 

member  for  every  week  that  he  may  be  sick,  or  inca- 
pacitated from  attending  to  his  usual  business.  This 
we  regard  as  one  of  the  best  features  in  the  Institution. 
It  is  one  that  should  commend  itself  to  every  lover  of 
humanity  and  benevolence  —  the  relief  of  the  sick. 
This  voluntary  and  benign  principle  manifests  itself 
in  deeds  of  charity  and  benevolence  ;  in  its  exercise 
the  lonely  orphan  finds  a  benefactor,  the  widowed  heart 
is  cheered,  and  the  sick-room,  the  cold  and  fireless 
hearth,  break  forth  into  thanksgiving  and  praise.  Mu- 
tual relief!  it  is  this  that  starts  our  courageous  firemen 
at  midnight  from  their  peaceful  slumbers,  and,  at  the 
clangor  of  bells  and  the  cry  of  fire,  carries  them  amid 
darkness  and  the  storm  to  the  scene  of  devastation. 
Now  they  mount  the  flaming  pile  —  and  in  the  gather- 
ing clouds  of  smoke  and  the  crashing  ruin,  their  motto 
is,  "  To  the  rescue  !  on,  to  relief — to  the  salvation  of 
life  from  the  jaws  of  menacing  Death  —  to  the  preser- 
vation of  property  from  the  devouring  flames!"  Let 
one  of  these  guardians  of  our  property  perish  amid  the 
raging  element  and  the  tottering  walls,  and  his  memory 
deserves  as  conspicuous  a  place  on  the  bright  escutch- 
eon of  fame  and  glory  as  he  who  fell  under  the  walls 
of  Quebec,  or  those  who  bled  at  Lexington  and  Bun- 
ker Hill.  He  flew  to  the  relief  of  his  friends,  his  fel- 
low-citizens, and  died  a  martyr  in  the  glorious  cause 
of  benevolence,  in  relieving  humanity  and  driving  back 
the  swelling  tide  of  human  woe.  The  young  and  the 
old  shall  cherish  his  memory  with  gratitude,  and  a  God 
of  compassion  and  benevolence  will  not  forsake  his 
widow  and  orphans.  Look,  too,  at  the  Temperance 
cause  :  it  professes  to  be  based  on  the  principle  before 

us.     "Mutual   relief!"   is  the   watchword;   the  stern 

27* 


318  TTTE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOCK. 

voice  of  war  is  hushed,  and  the  soft  melody  of  kind 
ness  and  good  will  is  whispered  in  the  ear  of  the 
drunkard,  and  he  begins  to  feel  that  he  is  a  man,  in- 
stead of  a  beast — that  instead  of  being  friendless,  for- 
saken, and  alone,  the  common  mark  for  the  contemptu- 
ous and  the  scornful  lip,  he  is  regarded  as  within  the 
reach  of  reformation,  and  it  has  been  found  out  that 
there  is  yet  one  spark  in  his  moral  nature  which  can 
be  kindled  into  life  and  light  by  kindness  and  the  prin- 
ciple of  mutual  relief.  What  the  thunders  and  the 
lightnings  of  threats  and  proscription  could  not  do,  the 
balmy  and  tender  influence  of  goodness  and  love  has 
overcome,  as  everlasting  hills  of  ice  melt  away  before 
the  noonday  sun.  "  Odd-Fellowship"  is  but  another 
name  for  this  very  principle,  mutual  relief — a  combi- 
nation of  powers  and  means,  the  accumulation  of  a 
fund  to  draw  from,  when  we  need  the  comforts  and 
sympathies  of  friends.  It  is  no  more  true  that  the 
stockholder  can  claim  his  share  of  the  profits  of  a  bank, 
than  it  is  that  the  members  of  this  Society  have  a  claim 
to,  and  that  they  receive,  the  moneys  deposited  in  its 
treasury. 

Do  you  ask,  then,  why  we  stand  up  to  plead  its 
cause  ?  why  men  are  thus  associated  in  this  Institution, 
and  what  the  nature  of  the  Compact  is  ?  I  answer  : 
It  is  a  Society  organized  for  the  relief  of  its  members. 
When  the  paralyzing  hand  of  Disease  has  laid  me  on 
a  couch  of  suffering ;  when  the  silver  cord  is  loosing, 
and  the  golden  bowl  is  breaking;  when,  helpless  and 
low,  I  am  breathing  out  my  life  —  then  will  this  Society 
shed  its  blessings  around  me,  watch  with  me,  and  soften 
the  tedious  dreariness  of  my  sick-couch.  When  Affec- 
tion's hallowed  tears  shall  embalm  my  ashes,  and  "  the 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS    TEXT-BOOK.  319 

clods  of  the  valley  shall  be  sweet  unto  me" — when  it 
shall  ho  said  of  me,  "  Life's  fitful  fever  over,  he  sleeps 
well"  —  then  do  I  trust  tnat  my  brother-members  of 
this  Association  will  carry  out  one  of  the  prominent 
objects  of  this  Order,  "visit  the  fatherless  children, 
and  be  the  protector  of  tne  widow."  Let  me,  then, 
cling  to  its  altars ;  let  me  speak  in  its  behalf;  let  me 
see  its  banners  unfurled  in  every  land  ;  let  me  hear  its 
voice  echoed  from  the  valley  to  the  mountain-top ;  let 
its  principles,  "  Friendship,  Love,  and  Truth,"  like 
Jupiter's  golden  chain,  draw  the  earth  into  one  great 
brotherhood,  till  not  a  cry  of  the  orphan  comes  up 
from  the  cheerless  hearthstone  unheard ;  till  not  a  tear 
starts  from  the  widow's  eye  unseen  and  unpitied  ;  till 
Charity,  Philanthropy,  and  Mutual  Relief,  shall  have 
made  more,  and  wider,  and  farther-reaching  conquests, 
than  glittering  spears,  or  gilded  crescent,  and  waving 
plume  ;  till  it  shall  be  said  of  this  crazy,  selfish  world  — 

41  Here  Love  his  golden  shafts  employs,  here  lights 
His  constant  lamp,  and  waves  his  purple  wings : 
Here  reigns  and  revels." 

But  I  am  dwelling  too  long  on  this  part  of  my  sub- 
ject. I  pass  to  the  second  query :  What  has  Odd- 
Fellowship  done,  and  what  is  it  now  doing? 

We  speak,  firstly,  of  its  rapid  and  unprecedented 
increase.  About  thirty-two  years  ago,  five  persons  in 
the  city  of  Baltimore  met  in  a  small  upper  room,  like 
the  primitive  Christians,  and  there  laid  the  corner-stone 
of  Odd-Fellowship  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic  ?  They 
were  viewed,  of  course,  with  the  Argus-eye  of  suspi- 
cion. Rumor  and  Jealousy,  which  look  on  almost 
everything  of  this  kind  through  false  mediums,  im- 
pugned their  motives,  and  regarded  this  Compact, 


320  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

small  as  it  was,  a  cabal  of  darkness  —  a  secret  horde 
of  Fellows  indeed,  combined  to  set  at  naught  the 
principles  of  religion  and  virtue,  ana  to  entrap  the 
simple  in  the  snares  of  wickedness.  But  what  is  it 
now?  From  this  small  beginning,  a  mighty  tree  has 
put  forth  its  far-reaching  branches,  which  overshadow 
the  land  ;  the  Potomac  of  Maryland  and  the  St.  Croix 
of  Maine  "shout  to  each  other."  Every  city,  town, 
and  hamlet,  unfurls  its  banners  and  resounds  with  the 
knock  of  its  gavil.  Let  it  increase  in  the  same  ratio 
another  ten  years,  and  the  man  who  leaves  the  granite- 
hills  of  the  Old  Bay  State,  to  see  the  setting  sun  gild- 
ing the  Rocky  mountains,  may  stop  every  night  of  his 
journey  at  a  regular  meeting  of  Odd-Fellows. 

There  are  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  the  United  States  48  Grand  Lodges,  39  Grand  En- 
campments, 6,678  Subordinate  Lodges,  1,806  Subor- 
dinate Encampments,  and  543,910  contributing  mem- 
bers. According  to  the  official  data  of  the  year  1876, 
$4,462,019.41  were  paid  into  the  funds  of  those  Lodges 
and  Encampments,  and  the  amount  paid  out,  during 
the  same  period,  to  sick  brothers,  for  funeral  ex- 
penses, &c.,  was  $1,684,800.57.  I  leave  it  to  your  own 
candor  and  magnanimity  to  decide  whether  the  dis- 
bursement of  one  and  a  half  million  of  dollars  for  one 
year,  under  the  direction  of  a  chosen  and  judicious 
"  Relief  Committee,"  as  it  is  called,  has  done  any  good. 
Iain  willing  to  allow  this  audience  to  be  the  tribunal, 
to  decide  whether  four  or  five  dollars  paid  to  a  brother 
for  every  week  in  which  he  lay  sick,  and,  in  case  of 
death,  thirty  dollars  for  his  funeral  expenses  to  his 
widow,  have  done  any  good. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  321 

Yet  this  has  been  done  again  and  again,  and  is  now 
being  done  in  all  parts  of  the  land.  I  say  nothing 
of  the  visits,  and  attentions,  and  sympathies  of  the 
brothers  ;  let  these  speak  for  themselves. 

To  those,  then,  who  have  united  their  zeal  and 
energies  to  organize  a  Lodge  in  this  place,  and  have 
invited  this  audience  here  this  evening,  let  me  say, 
you  have  great  encouragement ;  the  harvest  is  already 
white  and  ripe,  and  you  may  thrust  in  the  sickle.  See 
what  has  arisen  from  the  union  of  only  five  men,  and 
that  at  a  time  when  they  were  alone ;  no  kindred  and 
encouraging  voice  was  spoken  in  their  ear  from  the 
world  around  them.  It  would  have  been  madness  for 
them  to  expect  to  see  such  a  meeting  as  this,  of  ladies 
and  gentlemen  sufficiently  interested  in  their  cause  to 
listen  to  an  exposition  of  its  merits. 

But  young  men  and  maidens,  and  the  man  of  gray 
hairs,  have  come  up  here  to-night  to  hear  us  of  this 
matter.  You  have  a  number  of  brothers  around  you 
to  cheer  you  on,  to  give  you  the  warm  grasp  of  an 
Odd-Fellow's  hand,  and  to  tell  you,  "  On,  on !  my 
brethren,  for  you  carry  more  than  '  Cesar  and  his 
fortunes.' " 

Do  you  ask,  then,  what  Odd-Fellowship  has  done? 
I  answer:  It  has  gone  to  the  bed-side  of  the  sick  and 
the  dying  ;  it  has  carried  the  means  of  procuring  bread 
to  famishing  children  ;  it  has  followed  the  dead  to 
their  last  and  long  home  ;  it  is  extracting  from  the  cup 
of  misery  its  bitterness,  laying  plans  for  the  relief  of 
the  distressed,  rolling  back  the  tide  of  human  woe,  and 
making. men  feel  the  truth,  "  All  ye  are  brethren." 

Again,  I  remark,  Odd-Fellowship  encourages  liberal 
principles.  By  this  I  mean  it  has  no  sympathy  with 
the  rigid  and  austere  feelings  of  the  age  in  which  the 

V 


322  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

heretic  burned,  and  freedom  of  thought  and  opinion 
was  deemed  dangerous  to  the  state.  A  man  with  us 
may  believe  what  his  conscience  and  his  convictions 
of  the  truth  dictate.  Our  only  care  is  to  know  whether 
he  is  an  honest  man  ;  whether  he  have  that  moral  dis- 
position and  affinity  of  character  to  the  principles  of 
our  Order  that  make  him  love  the  names  Benevolence. 
Fidelity,  Charity,  Friendship,  Truth.  If  none  of 
these  virtues  constitute  a  leading  feature  in  his  charac- 
ter, he  may  have  the  faith  which  removes  mountains  — 
he  can  be  no  ornament  or  aid  to  the  Institution.  We 
adopt  the  language  of  the  Indian  chief,  called  "  Red 
Jacket,"  to  a  missionary :  "  We  never  quarrel  about 
our  religion."  Hence,  those  sectarian  and  party  views 
which  have  too  frequently  been  the  source  of  discord 
and  bitterness  in  the  world  are  avoided  in  this  Institu- 
tion. One  may  say,  "  I  am  of  Paul,  and  another  of 
Cephas,  or  Apollos  :"  we  are  all  one  in  brotherly  love. 
None  are  admitted  into  the  Order  because  they  have 
a  very  great  faith,  none  expelled  because  their  faith  is 
too  narrow.  If  it  is  liberality  to  allow  one  to  enjoy 
unmolested  his  own  opinions  in  religious  matters,  then 
Odd-Fellows  are  liberal.  All  sects  and  names  unite 
here  in  the  building  of  one  temple,  whose  pillars  stand 
on  the  everlasting  foundation  "  Peace  on  earth  and 
good-will  to  men." 

••  From  lowest  place  where  virtuous  things  proceed, 
The  place  is  dignified  by  the  doer's  deed ; 
Where  great  additions  swell,  and  virtue  r.ona, 
It  is  a  dropsied  honor ;  good  alone 
Is  good,  without  a  name  ;  vileness  is  so; 
The  property  by  what  it  is  should  go, 
Not  by  the  title." 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  323 

We  have  an  "odd"  name;  but  if  the  principle  of 
the  Compact  is  good  —  if  it  has  done  any  good  —  the 
name  is  of  but  little  consequence.  Pure  water  is 
water  still,  whether  it  come  from  a  goblet  of  double- 
refined  gold,  or  flow  from  the  jawbone  that  slaked  the 
thirst  of  Samson.  But  the  question  will  be  asked,  if 
you  mean  well  and  are  doing  well,  why  do  you  have 
secrets  and  talk  to  us  about  mysteries?  Have  you 
not  wished  most  ardently,  when  the  beggar  has  asked 
you  for  the  boon  of  charity,  that  you  knew  whether  or 
not  he  was  a  real  object  of  charity?  When  he  has 
told  you  his  tale  of  woe,  his  shipwreck  and  losses,  or 
showed  you  his  scars  of  wounds  alleged  to  be  the 
marks  of  patriotic  and  honorable  battle,  have  you  not 
heartily  wished  that  there  was  some  secret  or  hidden 
mode  to  know  whether  he  was  an  impostor  or  not? 
Yet  this  is  all  the  use  that  we  have  for  our  secrets. 
Many  of  our  brethren  come  from  a  distance,  and 
solicit  the  aid  of  our  Institution.  How  should  we 
know  them,  unless  there  were  signs  and  tokens  pecu- 
liar to  the  Order?  We  should  be  the  constant  dupes 
of  imposture,  and  the  prey  of  deception  and  fraud. 
The  whole  secret  of  our  secrets,  then,  is  this :  to  pre- 
vent imposition  and  to  know  each  other.  If  we  are  to 
be  condemned  for  such  secrets,  then  you  may  con- 
demn the  faithful  sentinel  at  his  vigils,  who  allows  no 
man  to  pass  into  the  camp  without  the  "  countersign." 

In  the  third  place  we  were  to  inquire  whether  there 
are  causes  in  the  social,  physical,  and  relative  condition 
of  our  race  for  the  action  of  such  a  society.  This  is 
so  almost  self-evident  and  indisputable  that  we  need 
not  stop  long  to  discuss  it.  Man,  to-day,  is  nerved 
with  the  sinews  of  health,  and  he  wields  the  clanking 


324  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

hammer  and  the  sounding  mallet,  as  a  blithesome  child 
does  his  rattle ;  to-morrow,  the  feverish  brow,  and  the 
faltering  voice,  and  the  pallid  cheek,  are  the  certain 
index  of  the  inspired  truth,  "  We  all  do  fade  as  a 
leaf."  A  cessation  from  toil  and  the  usual  receipts  of 
labor,  a  prostrated,  sinking  frame,  and  the  forebodings 
of  poverty  and  dissolution,  come  not  over  the  soul  of 
the  young  and  single,  perhaps,  with  that  thrilling  power 
which  they  strike  into  the  heart  of  the  husband  and 
the  father.  If  nothing  has  been  laid  up  for  this  evil 
day  (which  is  quite  common),  but  a  few  suns  roll  over 
the  sick  man's  bed,  a  few  sleepless  nights  t  re  passed, 
and  squalid  Want  and  Destitution  enter  the  late  joyous 
and  happy  abode.  Must  the  children  be  sent  out  to 
beg  from  the  charities  of  a  cold  and  selfish  world  ? 
This  would  break  the  father's  heart,  already  wrung 
with  anguish  and  sinking  in  despair.  Shall  they  be 
sent  to  the  poorhouse  ?  The  man  of  a  generous  and 
noble  spirit,  whose  industry  and  good  name  have 
yielded  himself  and  family  a  competence,  can  not  bear 
the  thought.  Rather  would  he  see  the  last  tool  in  his 
chest  bartered  for  bread,  and  all  the  furniture  of  his 
dwelling,  except  his  sick-couch,  sold  at  a  sacrifice, 
than  come  to  this.  Yea,  there  will  be  suffering — 
pinching,  bitter  suffering — in  such  a  family,  before 
the  man  will  confess  that  it  is  so.  His  brothers  of 
this  Institution,  if  he  is  a  member,  are  bound  to  carry 
to  him  his  weekly  due  ;  and,  although  it  may  be  insuf- 
ficient to  meet  all  the  wants  of  the  distressed  house- 
hold, it  must  do  some  good.  We  all  know  that  sick- 
ness and  pain  are  among  us,  and  call  for  the  benevo- 
lent heart  and  hand  to  soothe  the  sufferer ;  there  are 
lears  which  ask  our  sympathies ;  there  are  lonely 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  325 

hearthstones,  and  abodes  of  misery,  that  invite  the 
humane  to  "feel  for  others' woe;"  in  the  narrow  gar- 
ret and  the  damp  cellar,  among  all  classes  of  ages  and 
callings,  there  are  appeals,  and  beckoning  hands,  an« 
prayerful  voices,  for  the  exercise  of  brotherly  kind- 
ness, the  operations  of  a  deep,  and  generous,  and  pure 
benevolence.  The  reasons  for  the  organization  of 
such  an  Institution  as  Odd-Fellowship,  therefore,  are 
found  in  the  present  condition  of  society,  in  the  uni- 
versal liability  to  want,  and  poverty,  and  wretched- 
ness. It  is  not  all  poetry,  that  "  man  was  made  to 
mourn ;"  the  dark  drapery  of  sorrow  hangs  over  the 
earth  ;  there  is  weeping  in  the  land  ;  trembling  age  is 
stealing  on  ;  misfortune  may  come  to  all ;  our  fathers' 
graves  are  green ;  and  the  orphan,  with  outstretched 
hands  and  moving  lamentations,  calls  for  our  aid. 
These,  in  brief,  are  the  motives  that  laid  the  first  stone 
in  the  rising  temple  of  this  Order.  To  relieve  the 
distressed,  to  soften  the  hard  features  of  poverty,  to  be 
a  father  to  the  fatherless,  and  the  benefactor  of  the 
widow,  constitute  the  very  elements  of  this  Association. 
Some  sages  predict  that  this  Society  of  Odd-Fellow- 
ship will  soon  run  its  career  of  glory,  and  sink  in 
darkness,  to  rise  no  more.  It  may  be  so.  If  it  is  not 
founded  in  truth,  supported  and  sustained  by  the  prin- 
ciples of  Friendship,  and  Charity,  and  Benevolence, 
it  ought  to  fall.  As  much  as  I  esteem  it,  at  this  mo- 
ment—  as  firm  as  my  faith  is  in  the  purity  of  its  prin- 
ciples—  and  as  positive  as  our  knowledge  is  that  it 
has  done  deeds  of  Love,  I  say,  if  the  gallant  ship 
changes  her  streamer,  on  which  Justice  floats,  for  the 
pirate's  flag,  let  her  sink !  If  the  principles  of  this 
Institution  are  ever  prostituted  to  griping  Avarice. 


326  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

grovelling  Injustice,  and  deeds  of  Hood  —  if  it  shall 
cease  to  hush  the  orphan's  plaintive  wail,  aid  the  sick, 
bury  the  dead,  and  soothe  the  widowed  heart  —  may 
it  go  down  to  the  Plutonic  realms  of  silence,  and  no 
trumpet-tongue  ever  sound  its  resurrection  ! 

We  are  now  to  consider  our  fourth  inquiry :  By 
what  means  shall  this  Institution  be  crowned  with 
success? 

We  have  seen,  already,  that  it  has  been  successful 
in  the  increase  of  its  numbers,  in  disseminating  liberal 
views  and  feelings,  and  in  alleviating,  in  various  in- 
stances, the  pains  and  sorrows  of  our  fellow-men. 
What  will  prevent  its  cords  from  being  broken,  and 
its  stakes  from  being  removed  ?  What  are  the  great 
conservative  principles  and  measures,  which,  put  into 
efficient  action,  will  make  us  to  say,  as  the  immortal 
Adams  is  supposed  to  have  said  on  the  Congress-floor 
of  "  '76"  :  "  WE  shall  not  fail !  We  shall  make  this 
a  glorious,  an  immortal  day.  When  we  are  in  our 
graves,  our  children  will  honor  it.  They  will  cele- 
brate it  with  thanksgiving,  with  festivity,  with  bonfires 
and  illuminations.  They  will  shed  tears,  copious, 
gushing  tears  —  not  of  subjection  and  slavery,  not  of 
agony  and  distress,  but  of  exultation,  of  gratitude,  and 
of  joy.''  This  patriot,  and  coadjutor  in  framing  our 
national  independence,  had  no  more  of  the  spirit  of 
ancient  prophecy  than  you  or  I  have.  But  he  saw 
around  him  a  band  of  heroes  —  men,  independent 
men  —  who  knew  their  rights,  and  dared  assert  and 
maintain  them  ;  who  had  pledged  "  their  lives,  their 
fortunes,  and  their  sacred  honor,"  to  do  this.  He  knew 
the  blood  of  these  men  would  course  in  the  veins  of 
freemen,  as  it  does  this  day,  and  that  their  successors 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  327 

would  guard,  as  the  cherubim  with  his  flaming  sword, 
that  "  Declaration."  Similar  measures  and  means  to 
those  which  have  preserved  and  perpetuated  our  liber- 
ties and  national  independence,  will  also  carry  down 
the  stream  of  time,  unscathed  and  unharmed,  the  "  In- 
dependent Order  of  Odd-Fellows."  I  do  not  mean 
that  we  shall  buckle  on  the  helmet  and  grasp  the 
sword  —  that  you  shall  see  our  ranks  bristling  with 
martial  steel,  and  the  war-horse  prancing  in  blood,  and 
the  clouds  gathering  from  the  battle-smoke.  No  :  the 
Founder  of  that  Institution,  which  teaches  us  to  become 
as  a  little  child,  said  to  his  followers :  "  Put  up  the 
sword :  my  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world,  else  would 
my  servants  fight." 

One  of  the  means  connected  with  the  prosperity 
and  ultimate  glory  of  this  Society,  is  perseverance. 
If  that  system  of  morality  and  truth  which  came  from 
Heaven  to  reconcile  and  save  humanity  had  its  viru- 
lent opposers,  and  demanded  the  ardent  courage  and 
untiring  perseverance  of  its  advocates;  if  the  declara- 
tion of  our  independence  has  cost  treasure,  and  the 
strong-nerved  energies  of  intrepid  heroism  and  firm- 
ness, to  insure  its  success,  we  need  not  presume  that 
our  path  to  glory  and  triumph  is  strewed  with  naught 
but  flowers  and  beds  of  ease.  Our  Institution  would  be 
an  "odd"  one  indeed,  if  it  should  grow  and  flourish 
with  no  opposition  —  no  culturing,  pruning  hand — no 
persevering  toil.  As  well  may  we  expect  to  see 
breathing  locomotives  flying  on  our  railroads,  that  made 
themselves,  or  hear  the  buzzing  wheels  of  manufacto- 
ries which  the  magic  wand  of  some  idle  conjurer  has 
called  into  existence.  The  hills  and  mountains  have 
mouldered  away ;  even  the  deep-bedded  rock  has 


328  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

opened  a  pathway  for  steam,  and  commerce,  and 
breathing  life.  Cities  which  were,  some  time  ago,  so 
far  distant  from  each  other  that  a  long  and  tedious 
journey  lay  between,  present  only  the  obstacle  of  a 
short  morning's  ride ;  and  even  the  remote  shores  of 
the  Pacific  ocean  have  already  become  the  journey  of  a 
few  days.  What  has  been  done  and  what  is  yet  to 
do,  are  signalized  by  perseverance ;  the  execution  of 
proper,  judicious  measures  in  reference  to  the  proposed 
and  desired  end.  It  must  be  so  in  the  formation,  united 
action,  and  future  success,  of  the  Societies  belonging 
to  this  Order.  Public  sentiment  and  unfavorable 
opinions,  which  are  honestly,  no  doubt,  indulged,  in 
regard  to  the  Institution,  will  assume  a  milder  aspect, 
as  our  perseverance  in  well-doing  is  manifested  and 
felt.  The  relief  of  one  brother,  the  cheering  aid  car- 
ried to  one  sad  home,  the  guidance  of  one  orphan  from 
the  dark  valley  of  despair  to  the  road  of  light  and 
joy,  shall 

"  Live,  gratefully  registered  upon  our  tombs, 
And,  spite  of  cormorant-devouring  time, 
Shall  make  us  heirs  of  all  eternity." 

Again,  I  remark,  the  exercise  of  benevolence  will 
lead  us  on  to  ultimate  and  lasting  success.  I  thus 
judge  from  the  developments  of  the  past,  from  the  in- 
trinsic quality  of  this  virtue  itself,  and  from  the  signs 
of  the  present  times.  Would  you  know  what  Benevo- 
lence is?  See  it  blending  its  colors  and  beauties  in 
the  rainbow  ;  descending  in  gentle  showers  from  the 
fleecy  clouds  ;  standing  in  pearly  drops  on  the  crimson 
rose ;  beaming  in  the  soft,  mellow  light  of  morning. 
Hear  it  in  songs  of  praise  in  the  woodlands  and  on 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  329 

the  hills,  in  the  grassy  meadows  and  beside  the  run- 
ning stream.  Behold  it  and  admire,  in  One  who,  while 
expiring  amid  the  scoffs  of  his  murderers,  made  a 
prayer  that  calls  forth  the  inspired  exclamation,  "  Hear, 
O  ye  heavens,  and  give  ear,  O  ye  earth  !"  Behold  it 
in  a  Howard  traversing  the  desert,  enduring  heat  and 
cold,  now  laboring  up  the  mountain,  now  ranging  the 
valley,  now  in  the  noisome  dungeon  and  the  dismal 
prison-house,  that  he  may  do  good  to  his  fellow-men. 

"  The  spirits  of  the  good,  who  bend  from  high 
Wide  o'er  these  earthly  scenes  their  gentle  eye, 
When  first  arrayed  in  Virtue's  purest  robe, 
They  saw  her  Howard  traversing  the  globe, 
Mistook  a  mortal  for  an  angel-guest, 
And  asked  what  seraph-foot  the  earth  imprest." 

Benevolence,  good  will,  is  one  of  the  elements  of 
our  happiness.  If  we  can  make  beds  of  roses  for  the 
sick  and  sorrowful,  their  sweetest  perfume  returns  back 
to  ourselves.  Like  the  melodious  and  touching  strains 
of  music  that  come  from  the  hand  of  a  master  which 
rejoice  the  hearer  and  the  performer,  so  deeds  of 
benevolence  bless  the  one  who  does  them.  To  this 
principle  we  look  as  one  of  the  enduring  features  in 
our  stability  and  success.  Let  us  cling  to  this  with  an 
unyielding  tenacity  ;  bind  it  about  our  frontlets  ;  let  its 
spirit  reign  in  our  councils,  and  in  our  intercourse  with 
the  world  ;  and  the  ruinous  despoilers,  Discord  and 
Anarchy,  which  have  overturned  empires,  and  dis- 
solved strong  compacts,  can  not  harm  us.  The  laws 
of  Lycurgus  and  Draco  have  sunk  down  into  the  tur- 
bid regions  of  the  past,  to  be  revived  no  more :  they 
lacked  bonevolence.  Even  Solon's  more  democratir 
28* 


330  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

institutions  are  long  ago  superseded  by  a  greater  and 
still  greater  manifestation  of  benevolence.  The  time 
is  past  in  which  men  are  so  engrossed  in  the  carnage 
of  war,  as  to  say,  like  one  of  old  who  saw  his  only  son 
fall  in  battle  :  "  Let  me  think  now  of  nothing  but  vic- 
tory ;  I  will  mourn  to-morrow  !"  There  is  a  broader 
and  more  expansive  benevolence  among  us.  The 
Spartan  mother  no  longer  gashes  the  flesh  of  her  own 
children,  to  accustom  them  to  the  tortures  and  pains 
of  bloody  warfare,  nor  are  our  women  made  the  de- 
graded slaves  of  a  tyrant  to  till  the  ground  with  Helots. 
And  while  the  overwhelming  conquests  of  an  Alexan- 
der and  the  daring  exploits  of  a  Hannibal  may  live  in 
story  as  the  "  strange  work"  of  dark  and  iron  ages  ; 
while  the  footsteps  of  Napoleon,  dripping  in  the  warm 
blood  of  humanity,  may  be  traced  by  the  pen  of  the 
historian  from  Marengo  to  Waterloo  —  and  here,  to 
them,  is  "end  of  all  perfection" — the  benevolence  of 
WASHINGTON  will  be  honored  and  practised,  while  the 
needle  points  to  the  pole,  and  the  waters  seek  the 
great  deep.  This  is  so  essential  an  attribute  of  every 
system  and  institution  which  has  withstood  the  revul 
sions  and  changes  of  time,  that  we  regard  the  Society 
of  Odd-Fellows  as  destined  to  stand  or  fall  according 
to  its  adherence  or  rejection  of  the  principle.  Benev- 
olence will  stamp  it  with  the  seal  of  immortality;  it 
will  wreathe  around  its  altars  chaplets  of  imperishable 
glory  ;  and  give  it  a  name,  a  standing,  and  a  durability, 
which  will  last  till  the  ponderous  earth  itself  shall  dis- 
solve, and  "  Time  and  Nature  die."  [That  this  So- 
ciety is  now  carrying  out  this  principle,  one  single 
fact  which  I  know,  and  of  which  I  was  an  eye-witness, 
*s  submitted  to  your  judgment.  I  visited  a  sick  brother 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  331 

n  few  weeks  since,  who  in  all  probability  is  nigh  unto 
death  Nature  has  long  been  grappling  with  the  in- 
sidious disease.  It  was  a  retired  room  in  a  remote 
part  of  the  dense,  busy  city.  There,  prostrate  and 
helpless  as  an  infant  he  lay,  with  his  wife  and  little 
ones  around  him.  Every  night,  two  brothers  from  his 
Lodge  are  there  to  watch  away  its  dreary  sadness,  and 
give  the  dying  man  all  the  solace  that  sympathy  and 
kindness  can  give  one  in  his  condition.  If  the  appro- 
priation of  five  dollars  a  week,  and  the  constant  atten- 
tions of  brotherly  love,  are  of  any  value,  they  are  so  at 
a  time  like  this.  Should  this  brother  never  arise  from 
that  bed  of  pain  and  languishing,  the  sum  of  thirty 
dollars  will  be  paid  by  the  Lodge  to  his  widow,  and 
his  brethren  will  follow  his  remains  to  the  grave.  This 
is  but  a  single  case  among  hundreds  :  this  is  our  be- 
nevolence.] 

[In  bringing  my  remarks  to  a  close,  I  would  con- 
gratulate my  brothers  in  this  place  that  they  are  aroused 
to  spirited  action  to  build  for  themselves  a  temple  of 
Benevolence.  May  success  attend  these  efforts.  Let 
the  fair  temple  be  crowned  with  the  garlnnds  of  affec- 
tion ;  let  its  foundation-stone  be  laid  on  that  Truth 
which,  though  "  crushed  to  earth,  shall  rise  again  ;" 
let  every  timber  be  laid  in  Benevolence,  and  joined 
together  strongly  compact  by  Friendship  and  Love. 
Let  the  insignia  of  this  Order  here  be  displayed  in  its 
emblematic  colors,  and  its  tinselled  drapery  cover  many 
a  warm  heart  that  is  throbbing  in  unison  with  its  fellow? 
in  the  cause  of  mutual  relief,  the  melioration  of  suffer- 
ing humanity  —  the  cause  of  the  widow  and  orphan.]* 

*  The  parts  in  brackets,  if  inappropriate,  are  not  to  be  used 


332  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

Brethren,  the  voice  "Persevere!"  is  wafted  to  you 
on  the  wings  of  the  southern  breeze  ;  it  comes  rushing 
along  the  winding  rivers  from  the  north  ;  it  is  trum- 
peted on  locomotive  and  paddling  wheels  from  the 
east ;  and  the  broad  Atlantic  shall  not  keep  back  its 
sound  from  the  Emerald  isle  and  the  sea-girt  home  of 
Victoria.  Meet  in  harmony  ;  act  with  prudence  and 
justice ;  keep  before  you,  as  the  tempest-tossed  sea- 
man does  his  compass,  "  Friendship,  Love,  and  Truth" 
—  "visit  the  sick,  bury  the  dead,  and  educate  the  or- 
phan." 

To  this  assembly,  who  have  given  me  their  respect- 
ful and  paiient  audience,  I  say,  I  heartily  thank  you. 
We  are  proud  of  our  Lodge,  and  shall  do  our  duty  as 
Odd-Fellows.  We  shall  pour  ihe  oil  of  consolation 
into  bruised  hearts,  and  smooth  the  grave  of  the  dead. 
We  will  pay  no  less  taxes  into  your  treasury,  be  no 
less  devout  in  your  churches  ;  we  must,  if  we  are  true 
to  our  principles,  be  more  benevolent,  more  charitable, 
and  better  men,  than  before.  Ours  is  an  addition  to 
your  benevolent  institutions,  which,  although  she  may 
be  somewhat  "odd"  in  name,  and  to  some  have  on 
the  veil  of  the  nun,  yet  in  her  hand  she  holds  the 
"  box  of  precious  ointment ;"  the  good  Samaritan  has 
thrown  upon  her  his  mantle.  No  helmet,  cleft  with 
battle-axe,  and  bloody  girdle  wrenched  from  the  fallen 
warrior,  are  her  trophies ;  "  she  stoops  to  conquer," 
but  her  power  is  Love,  and  her  victories  are  the 
triumphs  of  Charity  over  Hatred,  Good  Will  over 
Malice,  Beneficence  over  Pain  and  Death.  Give  her, 
then,  a  seat  at  your  "  feast  of  charity  ;"  welcome  her 
as  a  co-worker  in  alleviating  the  miseries  of  the  world, 
and  in  diffusing  those  principles  which  "  the  inaudible 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS    TEXT-BOOK.  333 

and  noiseless  foot  of  Time"  can  not  efface,  and  which 
will  outlive  the  "  everlasting  mountains"  and  the  "  per- 
petual hills  !"  Far  in  the  distance  I  see  the  conquests 
of  this  Order  —  a  mighty  band  that  no  man  can  num- 
ber, from  the  four  winds  of  heaven  they  come ;  their 
banners  float  in  the  sunlight  that  gilds  the  eastern  hills, 
and  wave  in  the  breezes  that  kiss  the  Rocky  mount- 
ains. The  lion  has  lain  down  with  the  kid,  the  wolf 
and  the  falling  together,  and  a  little  child  is  leading 
the  leopard.  Thousands  of  voices  come,  like  the  song 
of  angels,  singing  in  strains  as  gentle  as  the  song  of 
Bethlehem  :  "  Friendship  has  won  her  laurels  ;  Love 
has  subdued  the  world ;  Truth  is  mighty,  and  has 
prevailed !" 


334 


THE    ODD-FELLOWS'    TEXT-BOOK. 


ODES  FOR  SEVERAL  IMPORTANT  OCCASIONS. 


,Tenor. 

3=^ 


THE   ODD-FELLOWS'  TEMPLE. 

May  be  used  at  the  "laying  of  a  corner-stone." 

Music  by  Th.  Elmer  Smith. 


-E  '  F    W 


m 


1.  All  hail   the  glorious  work  of  love  Aus  -  pi-cious-ly    be-  gun! 
Air. 


t 


2.  And  cher-ub  back  to     ser-aph  call  To  leave  his  shin.ing  throne, 


it=±|_|    .  .     [^.-i^-pzqqg-ifl 

^l-^^t^i^EBgffl 


The  angels  from  their  homes  above  Will  gaze  with  gladness  down  ; 


And  smil-ing  from  the  crystal  wall,  Will  bless  our  cor-ner  -  stone. 


^^H 


-*-*- 


3. 
Tnat    stone   whose    mural    strength 

shall  bear 

A  temple  broad  and  high, 
Where  Love  shall  wave  his  banner  fair 
And  Truth  and  Friendship  vie, 

4. 
To  smooth  the  rugged  path  of  life, 

To  fright  disease  away, 
To  guard  from  want,  and  wrong,  and 

And  sorrow's  pain  allay.         [strife, 

5. 
A  temple  where  no  narrow  creed 

Protects  a  chosen  few  ; 
It  holds  alike  deserved  meed 

To  Christian,  Turk,  or  Jew. 


Would  that   its  walls  could   bo  as 
wide 

As  yonder  ether  blue, 
That  Adam's  race  might  all  abido 

In  Love  and  Friendship  true ! 


Then  hail  the  noblest  work  of  Love ! 

Old  tyrannies  shall  fall  ; 
The  vulture  nestle  with  the  dove, 

When  o'er  this  earthly  ball 


The  peaceful  temples  of  the  ODP 
Shall  stand  like  cedars  tall — 

When  man  shall  live  the  laws  of  God, 
And  Love  be  all  in  all  1 


THE    ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK. 


335 


ANNIVERSARY   ODE. 
For  Celebrations  of  Lodges,  or  Dedications  of  Odd-Fellows'  Halls. 


E1er  Smith' 


1.  Joy,      joy,  brothers,  joy  !  with  full  hearts  and  glad   voi-c.es, 
Alto.        , 


2.  To  our  Fa-ther,  whose  fa-vors  have  e'er  been    ex  -  tend-ed, 

A1,  . 


ttf- 


3.  HE  hath  opened  our  hands   to  the     calls    of     the        poor ; 


4.  Praise    HIM  that  our  hearts  are  not    cal-lous —  not        cold — 


Let    us    join    in       a         cho  -  rus     of   bless-ing     and  praise 


Whose    smiles  on    our         la -bors  have  lightened  our     toil— 


HE  hath  soft-ened   our    hearts   by  the    cry    of    dis  •  tress  ; 


That  we    look  not    on         mis  -  'ry  with   un-moistened    eye — 

6. 


O,  Gon  !   still  may  FRIENDSHIP  shine 

bright  o'er  our  way, 
And   LOVE,   with   sweet    accent,   still 

breathe  in  our  ear ! 
May  TRUTH  e'er  be  nigh,  our  defence 

and  our  stay, 
And  for  ever  we'll  go  forth  the  needy 

to  cheet ! 


We'll  fly  to  the  couch  of  the  needy— 
the  dying — 

We'll  bind  up  the  wounds  of  our  bro- 
ther in  pain — 

And  when  his  cold  form  In  the  lone 
grave  is  lying, 

The  cry  of  his  loved  ones  shall  n«>v»i 
be  \  ai  : ! 


336 


THE    ODD-FELLOWS'    TEXT-BOOK. 


To    the  Friend  in  whose  goodness  all     na  -  ture  re   •  joi  •  ces — 


Whose  power  hath  sustained,  and  whose  arm  hath  de-fend  •  ed, 


The          need  • 


y   and  friendless  have  come  to  our      door, 


gm^f^p^%fe^pgi 

1] ^ I       I \j--W* 9*  yP-i—  9  ^  ^ 


That  we  leave  not  the  wretch-ed  to       sor-row  un    •    told — 


Who  is    ev   •  er    dis  -   pen  -  sing   his      love  and   his    grace — 


When  as-sail  -  ants  have  threat-ened    our   Tern  •  pie    to       spoil. 


And    found  us    all       rea  •   dy—  all    will  -  ing— to     bles 


Nor     pass    by   un    •   heed -ing    the     wid-ow's  sad      cry 


7. 

To  our  Father,  whose  favors  will  e'er 
be  extended — 

Whose  smiles  on  our  labors  will  light- 
en our  toil — 

Whose  power  will  sustain,  as  his  arm 
hath  defended, 

When  assailants  have  threatened  our 
Temple  to  spoil : 


To  the  God  in  whose  smile  the  Odd 
Fellow  rejoices — 

Who  is  ever  dispensing  his  love  and 
his  grace — 

To  him,  brothers,  again,  with  full 
hearts  and  glad  voices, 

Let  us  join  in  thanksgiving,  and  bless- 
ing, and  praise. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 
CONSECRATION  ODE. 

May  be  sung  at  the  Consecration  of  a  Hall. 


337 


Tenor. 


Th.  Elmer  Smith. 


1.  Un  -  to       thee,  great  God,  be  -  long      Mys  -  tic         rites  and 


zz 


*=d 


±3t 


HI 


sa-cred      song;    Low-ly     bend-ing     at    thy  shrine,  We  hail  thy 


5  Warmed  by  thy  benignant  grace. 
Sweet  Friendship  linked  the  human 

race  ; 

Pity  lodged  within  her  breast ; 
Charity  became  her  guest. 

6  There  the  naked  raiment  found  ; 
Sickness,  balsam  for  its  wound  ; 
Sorrow,  comfort  ;  hunger,  bread  ; 
Strangers  there  a  welcome  shed. 


2  Glorious  Architect  above ! 
Source  of  Light  and  Source  of  Love  I 
Here  thy  Light  and  Love  prevail  ; 
Hail !  almighty  Master  !  hail ! 

3  While,  in  yonder  regions  bright, 
The  sun  by  day,  the  moon  by  night, 
And  the  stars  that  gild  the  sky, 
Blazon  forth  thy  praise  on  high, 

4  Join,  O  earth  !  and  as  you  roll, 
From  east  to  west,  from  pole  to  pole^ 
Lift  to  heaven  your  grateful  lays — 
Join  the  universal  praise. 


7  Still  to  us,  O  God,  dispense 
Thy  divine  benevolence  ! 
Teach  the  tender  tear  to  flow, 
Melting  at  a  brother's  woe  ; 

8  Like  Samaria's  son,  that  we, 
Blest  with  boundless  charity, 

To  th'  admiring  world  may  provo 
They  dwell  in  God  who  dwell  in 
Love. 


29 


W 


338 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS    TEXT-BOOK. 


THE  BURIAL. 

May  be  sung  on  a  Funeral  Occasion. 


Tenor 


T.    Elmer  Smith. 


1.  They  are  moving    to  the  church-yard,  For  "the  soul  of  one  has     fled," 


And  the  sound  of    solemn        dirges     Fol-lows  clo?e  be- hind  the  dead. 


1  I.  I  ,       LL LfH — U__ — l_j 1 — I— W-l 


l. 


They  are  moving  to  the  church-yard, 
For  "the  soul  of  one  has  fled  ;" 

And  the  sound  of  solemn  dirges 
Follows  close  behind  the  dead. 


2. 

There  is  gloom  upon  each  feature — 
There  is  sadness  in  each  eye, 

As  the  lengthy  train  of  brothers 
Passes  slowly,  sadly  by. 


3. 


They  are  moving  to  the  church-yard, 

In' regalia-honor  clad  ; 
But  each  step  is  slow  and  heavy, 

For  each  anxious  heart  is  sad. 


4. 

Th'  widow's  grief,  the  tears  of  orphans. 
These  have  claimed  their  kindred 
sigh 

From  that  noble  band,  who  never 
Pass  a  suffering  brother  by. 

5. 
They  will  stay  the  widow's  anguish. 

They  will  dry  the  orphan's  tear ; 
In  the  darkest  hour  of  sorrow 

Will  the  helping  hand  be  near. 

6. 

And  the  man  of  after-yea.* 
Shall  bless  those  guardians  of  hie 

youth. 

And  shall  link  his  father's  memory. 
Too,  with  Friendship,   Love,  'and 
Truth. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


339 


ODD-FELLOWS'  PARTING  HYMN. 

Th.  Elmei  Smith. 

1=1= 


1.  Brothers  !  bind  the    mys-tic  chain;  Its  links  keep    ev  -  er  bright ; 
Not    a         blemish — not     a  stain — To  dim  its       golden  light. 


D.  C.  Heaven  to  earth,  and  earth  to  heaven,  And  man  to     God  a  -  bove. 


Da  Capo. 


_=^ZI 


I 


Wondrous  chain,  to    mor-tals  given,   Binding     in  the  bonds  of  Love, 


Da  Capo. 


Who  the  trembling  heart  shall  stay, 

When  sinking  to  the  dust ; 
Who  shall  turn  the  oppressor's  way, 

When  trampling  on  the  just  ? 
God  the  sinking  heart  shall  free  ; 

He  shall  break  the  oppressor's  rod 
Still  the  hand  of  man  must  be 

The  minister  of  God. 


Brothers!  raise  to  heaven  your  hands, 

The  links  that  bind  the  heart ! 
Consecrate  anew  the  bands 

Of  faith,  before  we  part ; 
Then,  in  heavenly  peace  and  trust, 

Part  in  Friendship,  Truth,  and  Low* 
Till,  released  from  earth  and  dust, 

We  meet  again  above. 


340  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


A 

MANUAL    OF    PRACTICE, 

FOR    THE    GUIDANCE    OF 

PRESIDING  OFFICERS,  MEMBERS  OF  LODGES,  ETC,* 


1.  THE  presiding  officer  having  taken  the  chair,  and 
a  quorum  being  present,  the  minutes  of  the  previous 
meeting  must  be  read,  and  in  case  no  mistakes  appear 
upon  them,  they  must  be  declared  approved.     The 
presiding  officer  must  preserve  (perforce,  if  necessary) 
order  and  decorum.     He  may  speak  to  points  of  order 
in  preference  to  other  members,  rising  from  his  seat 
for  that  purpose  ;  and  decide  questions  of  order,  sub- 
ject to  an  appeal  to  the  body  by  any  two  members,  on 
which  appeal  no  member  should  speak  more  than  once, 
unless  by  leave  of  the  body.     He  must  rise  to  put  a 
question,  but  may  state  it  sitting.     He  must  put  no 
motion  until  it  shall  be  seconded. 

2.  Questions  must  be  distinctly  put  in  this  form,  to 
wit:  "As  many  as  are  of  opinion  that  [as  the  question 
may  be],  say  'Ay;'"  and  after  the  affirmative  voice  is 
expressed,  "As  many  as  are  of  a  contrary  opinion,  say 

*  The  Rules  here  presented  are  appropriate  to  the  govern- 
ment of  all  public  bodies. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  341 

No.1  "*  If  the  presiding  officer  doubt,  or  if  a  divis- 
ion be  called  for,  the  body  must  divide :  those  in  the 
affirmative  of  the  question  must  first  rise  from  their  seats, 
and  afterward  those  in  the  negative.  If  the  presiding 
officer  still  doubt,  or  a  count  be  required,  he  may  name 
two  members,  one  from  each  side,  to  tell  the  members 
in  the  affirmative  and  negative  ;t  which  being  reported, 
the  presiding  officer  must  rise  and  state  the  decision  to 
the  body.  No  division  and  count  by  tellers  will  be  in 
order,  except  upon  the  motion  of  two  members. 

3.  All  committees  must  be  appointed  by  the  presi- 
ding  officer,  unless  otherwise    specially   directed    by 
the  By-Laws,  in  which  case  they  must  be  appointed 
oy  ballot;  and  if,  upon   such   ballot,  the  number  re- 
quired shall  not  be  elected  by  a  majority  of  the  votes 
given,  the  body  must  proceed  to  a  second  ballot,  in 
which  a  plurality  of  votes  may  prevail ;  and  in  case 
a  greater  number  than  is  required  to  compose  or  com- 
plete a  committee  shall  have  an  equal  number  of  votes, 
the  body  must  proceed  to  a  further  ballot  or  ballots. 

4.  The  first-named  member  of  any  committee  must 
oe  the  chairman  ;  and  in  his  absence,  or  being  excused 
by  the  body,  the  next-named  member,  and  so  on,  as 
often  as  the  case  shall  happen,  unless  the  committee, 
by  a  majority  of  their  number,  elect  a  chairman. 

5.  Any  member  may  excuse  himself  from  serving 
on  any  committee  at  the  time  of  his  appointment,  if  he 
is  then  a  member  of  other  committees. 

6.  It  is  the  duty  of  a  committee  to  meet  on  the  call 

*  In  Odd-Fellows'  Lodges,  so  far  as  the  expression  of  mem- 
bers is  concerned,  this  form  is  changed,  the  voters  being  required 
to  u  give  the  usual  show  of  an  Odd-Fellow." 

f  In  an  Odd-Fellows'  Lodge  the  Warden  acts  as  teller. 
29* 


342  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

of  any  two  of  its  members,  if  the  chairman  be  absent 
or  decline  to  appoint  such  meeting. 

7.  In  all  other  cases  of  ballot  than  for  committees, 
a  majority  of  the  votes  given  must  be  necessary  to  an 
election,  and  where  there  shall  not  be  such  a  majority 
on  the  first  ballot,  the  ballots  must  be  repeated  until  a 
majority  be  obtained.     And  in    all  ballotings  blanks 
must  be  rejected,  and  not  taken  into  the  count  in  the 
enumeration  of  votes,  or  reported  by  the  tellers. 

8.  In  cases  of  election  by  the  body,  the  presiding 
officer  may  vote,  unless  a  special  enactment  to  the  con- 
trary shall  have  been  made  by  the  body.     In  cases  of 
equal  division  of  the  body,  the  presiding  officer  may 
have  the  "  casting  vote."     If,  by  law,  he  is  debarred 
this  privilege,  a  "  tie  vote"  decides  a  question  lost. 

9.  The  order  of  business  should  be  as  follows :  1. 
Calling  the  roll  of  officers.     2.  Reading  the  minutes 
of  the  previous  meeting.     3.  Consideration  of  previ- 
ous proposals  for  or  certificates  of  membership.    4.  In- 
troduction of  new  members.     5.  Reception  of  new 
proposals  for  or  certificates  of  membership.     6.  Con- 
sideration  of  unfinished  business.     7.  Consideration 
of  business  of  a  general  description.     8.  The  reading 
of  communications.      9.  Reports  of  committees,  by 
seniority.     10.  Consideration  of  new  business. 

10.  Resolutions  which  require  investigation,  or  which 
it  may  be  necessary  to  delay  for  inquiry  and  future  ac- 
tion, must  be  referred  to  a  committee,  usually  of  three 
members,  who  should  report  as  speedily  as  the  nature 
of  the  subject  may  permit. 

11.  When  a  member  is  about  to  speak  in  debate,  or 
for  the  purpose  of  making  any  necessary  inquiry,  he 
must  rise  from  his  seat,  and  respectfully  address  him- 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  343 

self  to  the  presiding  officer.     He  must  confine  himself 
to  the  question  under  debate,  and  avoid  personality. 

12.  When  two  or  more  members  rise  at  the  same 
moment,  the  presiding  officer  must  decide  which  is 
entitled  to  the  floor. 

1 3.  No  member  should  occupy  an  unreasonable  time 
in  debate  :  a  member  reporting  a  resolution  under  con- 
sideration from  a  committee,  may  open  and  close  the 
debate  upon  it. 

14.  Any  member  who  shall  first  obtain  the  floor, 
after  the  member  reporting  a  resolution  from  a  com- 
mittee shall  have  concluded,  may  speak  in  opposition 
for  any  reasonable  length  of  time,  and  others  may  fol- 
low, for  and  against  the  measure.     When  the  debate  is 
closed  by  order  of  the  body,  any  member  may  be  al- 
lowed five  minutes  to  explain  any  amendment  he  may 
offer ;  after  which,  any  member  who  shall  first  obtain 
the  floor  may  be  allowed  to  speak  five  minutes  in  oppo- 
sition to  it ;  and  there  must  be  no  further  debate  on  the 
amendment;  but  the  same  privilege  of  debate  may  be 
allowed  in   favor  of  and  against  any  amendment  that 
maybe  offered  to  the   amendment:   and  neither  the 
amendment    nor    an    amendment   to    the    amendment 
should  be  withdrawn  by  the  mover  thereof,  unless  by 
the  unanimous  consent  of  the  body. 

15.  If  any  member,  in  speaking  or  otherwise,  trans- 
gress the  rules  of  the  body,  the  presiding  officer  must, 
or  any  member  may  call  to  order ;  in  which  case,  the 
member  so  called  to  order  must  immediately  sit  down, 
unless  permitted  to  explain  ;  and  the  body  must,  if  ap- 
pealed to,  decide  on  the  case,  but  without  debate ;  if 
there  be  no  appeal,  the  decision  of  the  chair  must  be 
submitted  to.     If  the  decision  be  in  favor  of  the  mem 


344  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

her  called  to  order,  he  should  be  at  liberty  to  proceed , 
if  otherwise,  he  must  not  be  permitted  to  proceed,  in 
case  any  member  object,  without  leave  of  the  body ; 
tnd,  if  the  case  require  it,  he  will  be  liable  to  the 
;ensure  of  the  Society. 

16.  If  a  member  be  called  to  order  for  words  spo- 
ken in  debate,  the  person  calling  him  to  order  must 
repeat  the  words  excepted  to,  and  they  must  be  taken 
down  in  writing ;  and  no  member  can  be  held  to  answer, 
or  be  subject  to  censure  for  words  spoken  in  debate, 
if  any  other  member  has  spoken,  or  other  business  has 
intervened,  after  the  words  spoken,  and  before  excep- 
tion to  them  shall  have  been  taken. 

17.  No  member  shall   speak  more  than  once  to  the 
same  question,  without  leave  of  the  body,  unless  he  be 
the  mover,  proposer,  or  introducer  of  the  matter  pend- 
ing ;  in  which  case  he  may  be  permitted  to  speak  in 
reply,  but  not  until  every  member  choosing  to  speak 
shall  have  spoken. 

18.  Tf  a  question  depending  be  lost  by  adjournment, 
and  revived  on  the  succeeding  meeting,  no  member 
who  shall  have  spoken  at  the  preceding  meeting  should 
be  permitted  again  to  speak  without  leave. 

19.  While  the  presiding  officer  is  putting  a  question, 
or  addressing  the  body,  none  should  walk  out  of  or 
across  the  room  ;  nor,  in  such  case,  or  when  a  member 
is  speaking,  entertain  private  discourse ;  nor,  while  a 
member  is  speaking,  pass  between  him  and  the  chair. 
Every  member  must  remain  uncovered  during  the  ses- 
sion of  the  Society. 

20.  No  member  should  vote  on  any  question  in  the 
event  of  which  he  is  immediately  and  particularly  in- 

crested. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  345 

21.  Every  member  who  shall  be  in  the  room  when 
the  question  is  put  must  give  his  vote,  unless  the  body, 
for  special  reason,  shall  excuse  him.  All  motions  to 
excuse  a  member  from  voting  must  be  made  before  the 
body  divides,  or  before  a  call  of  the  yeas  and  nays  is 
commenced  ;  and  the  question  must  then  be  taken 
without  further  debate. 

22  When  a  motion  is  made  and  seconded,  it  must 
be  stated  by  the  presiding  officer;  or,  being  in  writing, 
it  must  be  handed  to  the  chair,  and  read  aloud  by  the 
Secretary,  before  debated. 

23.  Every  motion  should  be  reduced  to  writing,  if 
the  presiding  officer  or  any  member  desire  it.     Every 
written  motion  should  be  inserted  on  the  minutes,  with 
the  name  of  the  member  making  it,  unless  it  be  with- 
drawn on  the  same  day  or  evening  on  which  it  was 
submitted. 

24.  After  a  motion  is  stated  by  the  presiding  officer, 
or  read  by  the  Secretary,  it  must  be  deemed  to  be  in 
possession  of  the  body,  but  may  be  withdrawn  at  any 
time  before  a  decision  or  amendment. 

25.  When  a  question  is  under  debate,  no  motion 
can  be  received  but  to  adjourn,  to  lie  on  the  table,  for 
the  previous  question,  to  postpone  to  a  day  certain,  to 
commit  or  amend,  to  postpone  indefinitely  :  which  sev- 
eral  motions  must  have  precedence  in  the  order  in 
which  they  are  arranged ;  and  no  motion  to  postpone 
to  a  day  certain,  to  commit,  or  to  postpone  indefinitely, 
being  decided,  can  be  again  allowed  on  the  same  day, 
and  at  the  same  stage  of  the  proposition. 

26.  When  a  resolution  shall  be  offered;  or  a  motion 
made,  to  refer  any  subject,  and  different  committees 
shall  be  proposed,  the  questior   must  be  taken  in  the 


346  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

following  order :  the  committee  of  the  whole ;  a  standing 
committee ;  a  select  committee. 

27.  A  motion  to  adjourn,  and  a  motion  to  fix  the  day 
to  which  the  Society  shall  adjourn,  is  always  in  order : 
these  motions,  and  the  motion  to  lie  on  the  table,  must  be 
decided  without  debate. 

28.  The  hour  at  which  every  motion  to  adjourn  is  made 
should  be  entered  on  the  minutes. 

29.  The  previous  question  must  be  in  this  form :  "  Shall 
the  main  question  be  now  put  ?  "     It  should  only  be  ad- 
mitted when  demanded  by  a  majority  of  the  members 
present,  and  its  effects  must  be  to  put  an  end  to  all  debate, 
and  bring  the  body  to  a  direct  vote  upon  a  motion  to  com- 
mit, if  such  motion  shall  have  been  made;  and  if  this 
motion  does  not  prevail,  then  upon  amendments  reported 
by  a  committee,  if  any — then  upon  pending  amendments; 
and  then  upon  the  main  question.     On  a  motion  for  the 
previous  question,  and  prior  to  the  seconding  of  the  same, 
a  call  of  the  body  will  be  in  order ;  but  after  a  majority 
shall  have  seconded  such  motion,  no  call  can  be  in  order 
prior  to  a  decision  of  the  main  question.   A  member  may, 
at  any  time,  move  the  previous  question. 

30.  On  a  previous  question  there  must  be  no  debate. 
All  incidental  questions  of  order  arising  after  a  motion  is 
made  for  the  previous  question,  and  pending  such  motion, 
must  be  decided,  whether  on  appeal  or  otherwise,  without 
debate. 

31.  When  a  question    is    postponed    indefinitely,  the 
same  should  not  be  acted  upon  again. 

32.  Any  member  may  call  for  the  division  of  a  question, 
which  must  be  divided  if  it  comprehend  propositions  in 
substance  so  distinct,  that  one  being  taken  away,  a  sub- 
stantive proposition  shall  remain  for  the  decision  of  the 
body.   A  motion  to  strike  out  and  insert  should  be  deemed 
indivisible ;    but  a  motion  to  strike  out  being  lost,  pre- 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  347 

cludea  neither  amendment  nor  a  motion  to  strike  out  and 
insert. 

33.  Motions   and  reports  may  be   committed  at  the 
pleasure  of  the  body. 

34.  No  motion  or  proposition  on  a  subject  different  from 
that  under  consideration  can  be  admitted  under  color  of 
amendment.     No  resolution  can,  at  any  time,  be  amended 
by  annexing  thereto,  or  incorporating  therewith,  any  other 
resolution  pending  before  the  body. 

35.  When  a  motion  has  been  once  made,  and  carried 
in  the  affirmative  or  negative,  it  will  be  in  order  for  any 
member  of  the  majority  to  move  for  the  reconsideration 
thereof,  on  the  same  or  the  succeeding  meeting  only ;  and 
such  motion  will  take  precedence  of  all  other  questions, 
except  a  motion  to  adjourn. 

36.  Where  papers  are  laid  before  the  body,  or  referred 
to  a  committee,  every  member  has  a  right  to  have  them 
once  read  at  the  table  before  he  can  be  compelled  to  vote 
on  them.     [But  it  is  a  great,  though  common,  error  to 
suppose  that  he  has  a  right  to  have  acts,  journals,  accounts, 
or  papers,  on  the  table,  read  independently  of  the  will  of 
the  body.     The  delay  and  interruption  which  this  might 
be  made  to  produce,  evince  the  impossibility  of  the  exist- 
ence  of  such  a  right.     There  is,  indeed,  so  manifest  a 
propriety  of  permitting  every  member  to  have  as  much 
information  as  possible  on  every  question  on  which  he  is 
to  vote,  that  when  he  desires  the  reading,  if  it  be  seen  that 
it  is  really  for  information,  and  not  for  delay,  the  pre- 
siding officer  directs  it  to  be  read  without  putting  a  ques- 
tion, if  no  one  objects.   But  if  objected  to,  a  question  must 
be  put.] 

37.  The  unfinished   business  in  which  the  body  was 
engaged  at  the  last  preceding  adjournment,  must  have  the 
preference  in  regular  order;  and  no  motion  on  any  other 


348  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

business  must  be  received,  without  special  leave  of  the 
body,  until  the  former  is  disposed  of. 

38.  The  name  of  the  member  who  presents  a  petition  or 
memorial,  or  who  offers  a  resolution  to  the  consideration 
of  the  body,  should  be  inserted  on  the  minutes. 

39.  The  yeas  and  nays  may  be  called  on  the  demand  of 
five  members.     In  calling,  each  member,  as  his  name  is 
uttered  by  the  Secretary,  should  answer  promptly.     It  is 
proper  for  a  member  opposed  to  a  measure  to  vote  in  the 
affirmative,  and  vice  versd,  for  the  purpose  of  calling  for  a 
reconsideration. 

40.  When  the  body  forms  itself  into  a  committee  of 
the  whole,  the  presiding  officer  must  leave  his  chair,  and 
appoint  a  chairman  from  the  committee.     No  previous 
question  can  be  put  in  a  committee  of  the  whole ;  nor  can 
this  committee  adjourn  as  others  may;  but  if  their  business 
is  unfinished,  they  may  rise  on  a  question,  resume  the 
Society,  and  the  chairman  will  report  that  the  committee 
of  the  whole  have,  according  to  order,  had  under  their 
consideration   such   a  matter,   and  have  made   progress 
therein ;   but  not  having  time  to  go  through  the  same, 
have  directed  him  to  ask  leave  to  sit  again :  whereupon  a 
question  is  put  on  their  having  leave,  and  on   the  time 
when  the  body  will  again  resolve  itself  into  a  committee. 
But  if  they  have  gone  through  the  matter  referred  to 
them,  a  member  will  move  that  the  committee  rise,  and 
that  the  chairman  report  their  proceedings  to  the  body ; 
which  being  resolved,  the  chairman  will  rise,  the  presiding 
officer  resume  the  chair,  and  the  chairman  will  inform 
him  that  the  committee  have  gone  through  the  business 
referred  to  them,  and  that  he  is  ready  to  report. 

41.  All  questions  must  be  propounded  in  the  order  in 
which  they  were  moved;  but,  in  filling  up  blanks,  the 
largest  sum,  and  the  longest  time  named,  must  be  first 
put. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  349 

42.  No  standing  rule  or  order  of  the  body  can  be 
rescinded  or  changed  without  previous  notice  being  given 
of  the  motion  therefor,  nor  any  by-law  be  suspended, 
except  by  a  unanimous  vote  of  the  members  present :  nor 
can  the  order  of  business,  as  established  by  the  rules,  be 
postponed  or  changed,  except  by  a  vote  of  at  least  two- 
thirds  of  the  members  present.     The  body  may  at  any 
time,  by  a  vote  of  a  majority  of  the   members   present, 
suspend  the  standing  rules  for  the  purpose  of  going  into 
the  committee  of  the  whole ;  and  also  for  providing  for 
the  discharge  of  the  committee  of  the  whole   from  the 
further  consideration  of  any  matter  referred  to  it,  after 
acting  without  debate  on  all  amendments  pending,  and 
that  may  be  offered. 

43.  Questions  are  to  be  put,  first  on  the  affirmative,  and 
then  on  the  negative  side.     After  the  affirmative  shall 
have  been  put,  any  member  who  has  not  spoken  before  on 
it  may  rise  and  speak,  because  it  is  no  full  question  till 
the  negative  part  be  put. 

44.  Resolutions  involving  the  alteration  of  a  Constitu- 
tion or  By-Laws  of  a  Society  must  be  adopted  by  a  two- 
thirds  vote,  and  action  on  them  should  be  postponed  at 
least  two  weeks  beyond  the  time  of  their  presentation. 


RULES  OF  ORDER  FOR  GRAND  LODGES. 


ORDER  OF  BUSINESS. 

At  the  annual  session,  the  business  shall  be  taken  up  in  the 
following  order: 

1.  Receive  certificates  of  Past  Grands  and  Representatives 
enroll  and  admit  them. 
30 


350  THE    ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK. 

2.  Read  and  pass  upon  the  unapproved  minutes  of  all  inter- 

vening sessions. 

3.  Calling  the  roll ;  exonerating  fines,  or  granting  .eave  of 

absence. 

4.  Receive  and  act  upon  the  report  of  the  judge  and  tellers 

of  the  election  returns. 

5.  Report  and  valedictory  of  the  retiring  Grand  Master,  and 

its  reference. 

6.  Report  of  the  Deputy  Grand  Master,  and  its  reference. 

7.  Report  of  the  Grand  Secretary,  and  its  reference. 

8.  Report  of  the  Grand  Treasurer,  and  its  reference. 

9.  Decision  of  all  contested  elections. 

10.  Reports  of  standing  Committees. 

11.  Reports  of  special  Committees   appointed  at  previous 

sessions. 

12.  Reports  of  other  special  Committees. 

13.  Deferred  business;  new  business  taken  up  and  acted  on. 

14.  Installation  of  officers  elect  shall  take  place  at  the  close 

of  the  annual  session. 

This  Order  of  Business  may  be  transposed  by  the  direction 
of  the  Most  Worthy  Grand  Master,  or  by  vote  of  the  Grand 
Lodge. 

PRESIDING   OFFICER. 

1.  The  presiding  officer  shall  preserve  order  and  decorum, 
pronounce  the  decisions  on  all  questions,  except  on  an  appeal 
from  his  decision,  decide  questions  of  order  without  debate, 
subject  to  an  appeal,  on  which  no  member  shall  speak  more 
than  once.     In  case  of  an  appeal,  the  Right  Worthy  Grand 
Warden  shall  put  the  question,  "Shall  the  decision  of  the  chair 
stand  as  the  judgment  of  the  Grand  Lodge?" 

2.  Before  putting  a  question,  the  presiding  officer  shall  ask, 
"  Is  the  Grand  Lodge  ready  for  the  question  ?  "     If  no  member 
rise  to  speak,  he  shall  rise  and  put  the  question.     While  the 
presiding  officer  is  putting  the  question  or  addressing  the  Lodge 
none  shall  walk  out  of  or  across  the  room,  nor  entertain  pri- 
vate discourse  ;  and  after  he  has  risen  to  put  the  question  no 
member  shall  speak  on  it. 

3.  The  presiding  officer,  or  any  Representative,  doubting  the 


THE   ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK.  353 

result  of  a  vote,  may  call  for  a  division  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
upon  which  division,  those  voting  the  affirmative  shall  rise  and 
stand  until  counted ;  after  which,  those  voting  in  the  negative 
shall  rise  and  stand  until  counted.  The  Deputy  Grand  Master 
and  Grand  Warden  shall  count  the  vote  on  either  side,  and  re- 
port the  number  to  the  Most  "Worthy  Grand  Master  as  each  is 
taken  and  ascertained. 

MOTIONS. 

4.  No  motion  shall  he  subject  to  debate  until  it  shall  have 
been  seconded  and  stated  by  the  presiding  officer.    It  shall  be 
reduced  to  writing  on  the  call  of  five  Representatives. 

5.  Any  Representative  offering  a  motion,  or  desiring  to  ad- 
dress the  Grand  Lodge,  shall  rise  and  respectfully  address  the 
presiding  officer,  and  be  recognized  by  him ;  whilst  speaking  he 
shall  confine  himself  to  the  question  under  debate,  and  avoid 
all  personality,  indecorous,  or  sarcastic  language,  and  all  re- 
flections on  the  Grand  Lodge  or  its  members. 

6.  When  a  question  is  before  the  Grand  Lodge,  no  motion 
shall  be  in  order  except  to  adjourn,  the  previous  question,  to 
lie  on  the  table  (these  questions  shall  be  decided  without  de- 
bate), to  postpone  indefinitely,  to  postpone  for  a  certain  time, 
to  divide,  to  commit,  or  to  amend,  all  of  which  motions  shall 
have  precedence  in  the  order  herein  designated. 

7.  A  motion  for  the  previous  question,  seconded  by  ten  Rep- 
resentatives, shall  preclude  further  amendment  or  debate,  and 
the  presiding  officer  shall  immediately  rise  and  put  the  question : 
"  Shall  the  main  question  be  now  put  ?  "     If  a  majority  vote  in 
the  affirmative,  then  the  vote  upon  the  pending  amendment  and 
original  motion  shall  be  immediately  taken  without  amendment 
or  debate. 

8.  Any  member  who  voted  on  the  prevailing  side,  may  move 
the  reconsideration  of  the  vote  at  the  same  stated  or  special 
session  at  which  the  vote  was  taken,  and  if  sustained  by  a 
majority  of  votes,  the  reconsideration  shall  be  carried. 

9.  A  motion  to  adjourn  is  always  in  order,  except  when  a 
vote  on  the  previous  question  is  pending ;  if  carried  in  the  af- 
firmative, it  is  no  adjournment  until  the  Grand  Lodge  adjourns 
or  is  closed  in  form. 


352  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

10.  All  resolutions  must  be  in  writing,  and  shall  have  the 
name  of  the  mover  and  the  number  of  his  Lodge  written  on 
the  same  paper. 

SPEAKING. 

11.  N"o  member  shall  speak  more  than  once  on  the  same  sub- 
ject or  question  until  all  the  Representatives  desiring  to  speak 
shall  have  had  an  opportunity  to  do  so,  nor  more  than  twice 
without  the  permission  of  the  presiding  officer,  and  no  membei 
while  speaking  shall  name  another  except  by  his  proper  title  or 
office,  according  to  his  standing  in  the  Order. 

12.  No  member  shall  interrupt  another  while  speaking,  ex- 
cept to  call  him  to  order  for  words  spoken.     If  requested,  the 
objectionable  words  shall  be  taken  down  by  the  Grand  Secre- 
tary.    The  speaker,  at  the  request  of  the  presiding  officer,  shall 
take  his  seat  until  the  question  is  decided,  when,  if  permitted, 
he  may  proceed. 

13.  Should  two  or  more  members  rise  to  speak  at  the  same 
time,  the  presiding  officer  shall  decide  who  is  entitled  to  the 
floor. 

QUESTIONS. 

14.  When  a  blank  is  to  be  filled,  the  question  shall  be  first 
taken  upon  the  highest  sum  or  number,  and  the  longest  and 
latest  time  proposed. 

15.  Any  member  may  call  for  a  division  of  a  question  when 
the  sense  will  admit  of  it.     But  a  motion  to  strike  out  and  in- 
sert shall  be  indivisible. 

16.  When  a  question  has  been  postponed  indefinitely,  it  shall 
not  be  again  acted  on  during  that  session. 

17.  The  affirmative  of  any  question  shall  be  first  put,  and 
afterwards  the  negative ;  but  in  matters  of  form,  such  as  read- 
ing reports,  petitions,  memorials,  or  other  papers,  withdrawing 
motions,  &c.,  the  reading  may  be  ordered  or  the  request  granted 
by  the  presiding  officer  stating  "if  no  objections  are  raised" 
the  reading  shall  proceed  or  the  request  shall  be  granted,  &c., 
without  the  formality  of  a  vote. 

VOTING. 

18.  When  the  reading  of  any  paper  or  other  matter  is  called 
for  it  shall  be  read,  unless  objected  to  by  any  Eepresentative, 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  353 

when  it  shall  be  determined  by  a  vote  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
without  debate 

19.  On  the  call  of  thirty  Rep  resent  atives  the  vote  on  any 
question  arising  in  a  stated  or  special  session  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  shall  be  taken  and  counted  by  Lodges,  and  the  vote  of 
each  Lodge,  Past  Grand  Master,  and  elective  officer,  shall  be 
entered  on  the  minutes,  and  published  in  the  proceedings. 

20.  No  Representative  shall  be  permitted  to  speak  or  vote 
unless  clothed  in  regalia  according  to  his  rank  and  station  in 
the  Grand  Lodge,  and  shall  have  the  number  of  his  Lodge  con- 
spicuously displayed  on  his  left  breast. 

COMMITTEES. 

21.  The  person  first  named  on  a  Committee  shall  act  as 
chairman  thereof  until  another  is  chosen  by  the  Committee. 

22.  Any  member  at  the  time  of  his  appointment  may  excuse 
himself  from  serving  on  a  Committee,  if  he  be  then  a  member 
of  two  other  Committees. 

23.  No  Committee  can  be  finally  discharged,  until  all  the 
debts  contracted  by  it  are  paid. 

IMPKOPEK   CONDUCT. 

24.  Any  member  who  shall  misbehave  in  the  meetings  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  disturb  the  order  or  harmony  thereof,  either  by 
abusive,  disorderly  or  profane  language,  or  shall  refuse  obedi- 
ence to  the  presiding  officer,  shall  be  admonished  of  his  oifence 
by  the  chair,  and  if  he  offend  again  he  shall  be  excluded  from 
the  room,  and  afterwards  dealt  with  as  the  Grand  Lodge  may 
direct. 

25.  No  member  under  charges  shall  be  allowed  to  be  present 
in  the  Grand  Lodge  when  the  vote  thereon  is  taken.     Before 
the  vote  is  taken,  the  member  charged  shall  have  the  perusal 
of  all  documents  and  papers  relating  to  his  case,  and  shall  be 
heard  in  his  defence. 

MANUAL. 

26.  The  manual  of  parliamentary  practice  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  shall  govern  the  Grand  Lodge  as  far  as  the 
same  is  applicable,  except  when  otherwise  specially  provided. 

30*  X 


354  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


CONDITION  OF  THE  ORDER  IN  1877. 

IN  preceding  pages  we  have  given  a  general  History  of 
the  Order  in  America.  We  propose  now  to  present  a 
brief  account  of  the  origin  of  the  Fraternity  in  the  several 
States,  together  with  the  number  of  Lodges  and  of  mem- 
bers in  each. 

WASHINGTON  LODGE,  NUMBER  ONE, 

May  justly  claim  the  honor  of  being  the  pioneer  in  a 
cause  which  has  been  and  is  of  immense  value  in  the 
United  States.  From  this  small  beginning  have  proceeded 
thousands  of  Lodges,  and  hundreds  of  thousands  of  mem- 
bers, that  have  accomplished,  in  one  generation  (about 
fifty-one  years)  more  real,  substantial  good  to  mankind 
than  all  other  similar  associations. 

Washington  Lodge,  No.  1,  was  instituted  on  the  26th 
of  April,  1819,  at  the  public-house  (in  Second  Street, 
Baltimore)  called  "  Sign -of -the -Seven -Stars"  of  which 
Mr.  WILT  JAM  LUPTON  was  the  worthy  host.  The  Odd- 
Fellows  who  were  the  "  head  and  front "  of  this  proceed- 
ing were 

THOMAS  WILDEY, 
JOHN  WELCH, 
JOHN  DUNCAN, 
JOHN  CHEATHEM, 
RICHARD  RUSHWORTH. 

In  1821,  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Maryland  was  insti- 
tuted, having  but  two  Subordinate  Lodges  under  its 
jurisdiction.  This  was  the  only  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
I.  O.  O.  F.  in  the  United  States.  In  1822  the  nura- 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  355 

ber  had  not  increased ;  the  two  Subordinate  Lodges  in 
Maryland  reporting  a  revenue  of  only  $442.90.  Be- 
tween February,  1823,  and  February,  1824,  Grand 
Lodges  were  instituted  in  Massachusetts,  New  York, 
and  Pennsylvania,  making  four  Grand  Lodges, — the 
whole  number  having  but  six  Subordinate  Lodges 
under  their  jurisdiction.  During  the  same  period  the 
two  Subordinate  Lodges  in  Maryland  reported  a  rev- 
enue of  $843.10.  From  February,  1824,  to  February, 
1825,  the  number  of  Subordinate  Lodges  had  increased 
to  nine ;  from  February,  1825,  to  April,  1826,  they  had 
increased  to  twelve;  from  April,  1826,  to  May,  1827, 
they  had  increased  to  fourteen,  and  from  May,  1827,  to 
May,  1828,  they  had  increased  to  nineteen — two  of  them 
being  located  in  the  District  of  Columbia.  The  Sub- 
ordinate Lodges  in  Pennsylvania  reported  a  member- 
ship of  568  in  1828.  From  May,  1828,  to  May,  1829, 
there  were  five  Grand  Lodges,  one  having  been  insti- 
tuted in  the  District  of  Columbia,  and  the  Subordinate 
Lodges  had  increased  to  thirty-one,  and  the  member- 
ship in  Pennsylvania  had  increased  to  1,009.  From 
May,  1829,  to  September,  1830,  the  Subordinate  Lodges 
had  increased  to  fifty-eight,  and  the  membership  in 
the  jurisdictions  of  Maryland,  Pennsylvania,  and  Dis- 
trict of  Columbia  was  reported  to  be  3,036,  and  the 
revenue  in  the  same  jurisdictions  was  $15,727.48. 

This  was  the  commencement,  little  over  fifty  years 
since,  of  an  organization  on  this  continent,  and  its 
history  for  a  period  of  ten  years,  begun  by  five  men 
"  unknown  to  fame,"  and  in  the  humble  spheres  of 
life,  that  has  been  an  incalculable  blessing  to  tens  of 
thousands,  pecuniarily  and  morally,  and  which  will 


356  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

continue  a  double  blessing  beyond  all  human  calcula- 
tion. To  show  the  extent  of  the  benevolence  of  this 
institution,  and  the  proportions  to  which  it  has  attained 
at  the  present  day,  and  which  is  neither  political  nor 
sectarian,  we  present  in  tabular  form  the  number  of 
L-odges  and  Encampments  under  the  jurisdiction  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States,  and  the  amount 
disbursed  for  the  relief  of  the  sick  and  afflicted,  the 
burial  of  the  dead,  for  the  relief  of  widowed  families, 
and  for  the  education  of  orphans,  in  the  year  1877. 

PAST  GRAND  SIRES. 

Thomas  Wildey,  1825-1833,  Baltimore,  Md. ;  died  Oct.  19,  1861. 
Jas.  Gettys,  1833-1835,Georgetown,  Dist  of  Col.;  died  Aug.  15,  1844. 
George  Keyser,  1835-1837,  Baltimore,  Md. ;  died  Sept.  19,  1837. 
S.  H.  Perkins,  1837-1840,  Philadelphia,  Penn. ;  died  May  22,  1874. 
Zenas  B.  Glazier,  1840-1841,  Wilmington,  Del. ;  died  Nov.  11, 1858. 
J.  A.  Kennedy,  1841-1843,  N.  Y.  City,  N.  Y. ;  died  June  20,  1873. 
Howell  Hopkins,  1843-1845,  Philadelphia,  Pa.;  died  June  5,  1858. 
Thomas  Sherlock,  1845-1847,  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 
Horn  R.  Kneass,  1847-1849,  Philadelphia,  Pa. ;  died  Dec.  12,  1861. 
Robert  H.  Griffin,  1849-1851,  Savannah,  Ga. ;  died  Dec.  14,  1855. 
tfilliam  W.  Moore,  1851-1853,  Washington,  District  of  Columbia. 
Wilmot  De  Saussure,  1853-1855,  Charleston,  South  Carolina. 
William  Ellison,  1855-1857,  Boston,  Mass. ;  died  Aug.  23,  1877. 
George  W.  Race,  1857-1858,  New  Orleans,  Louisiana. 
Samuel  Craighead,  1858-1860,  Dayton,  Ohio. 
R.  B.  Boylston,  1860-1862,  Winnsborough,  S.  C. ;  died  Sept.  5, 1865. 
Jas.  B.  Nicholson,  1862-1864,  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania. 
Isaac  M.  Veitch,  1864-1866,  Saint  Louis,  Missouri. 
James  P.  Sanders,  1866-1868,  Yonkers,  New  York. 
Edward  D.  Farnsworth,  1868-1870,  Nashville,  Tennessee. 
Frederick  D.  Stuart,  1870-1872,  Washington,  Dist.  of  Columbia. 
Cornelius  A.  Logan,  1872-1874,  Leavenworth,  Kansas. 
M.  J.  Durham,  1874-1876,  Danville,  Kentucky. 

PRESENT  GRAND  SIRE. 
John  W.  Stokes,  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS    TEXT-BOOK. 


357 


STATISTICS  OF  AMERICAN  ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 

NUMBER  OF  LODGES,  NUMBER  OF  MEMBERS  AND  INITIATIONS, 
YEAR  ENDING  DECEMBER  31,  1876. 


JURISDICTIONS. 

No.  of  Lodges. 

No.  of  Initia- 
tions. 

i 

• 

2  ^ 

o,S 

6 
fc 

No.  of  Deaths. 

No.  of  Broth- 
ers Relieved. 

No.  of  Wid- 
owed Families 
Relieved. 

Amount  of  the 
Annual  Re- 
ceipts. 

Alabama  

38 

126 

1,183 

9 

71 

26 

88,335.79 

56 

194 

1,487 

18 

122 

9 

11,400.31 

British  Columbia... 
California  

5 

238 

52 
1,871 

492 
20,201 

3 
225 

61 
2,302 

2 
208x 

10,715.51 
436,118.45 

Chili  

8 

127 

399 

4 

10 

2 

11,504.37 

27 

199 

1  215 

8 

90 

5 

16.802.93 

Connecticut  

49 

621 

5,930 

46 

486 

23 

57,402.25 

11 

78 

315 

2 

22 

2 

3,270.72 

33 

121 

2537 

29 

269 

23 

26,523.18 

District  Columbia- 
Florida  

13 

10 

71 
54 

1,952 
318 

32 

4 

328 
19 

76 
1 

21,869.04 
3,057.92 

48 

232 

2043 

47 

130 

27 

12,921.89 

Illinois  

560 

3,169 

26,812 

219 

2,517 

266 

219,806.52 

515 

2293 

26,404 

242 

3,284 

317 

235,551.49 

324 

2  188 

17476 

95 

988 

83 

97,244.40 

Kansas  

130 

621 

4,968 

28 

319 

38 

36,261.65 

216 

521 

10028 

100 

985 

325 

54,033.91 

25 

169 

1  086 

28 

104 

43 

15,742.08 

Low.  Prov.  B.  N.  A. 

23 

54 

392 
1  060 

1,629 
7606 

7 
44 

92 
574 

11 
26 

8,890.74 
59,225.91 

105 

380 

12  118 

177 

2005 

170 

98,828.54 

Massachusetts  

134 
262 

1,703 
1  856 

21,685 
13  451 

191 

92 

1,494 

487 

517 
110 

179,078.26 

78,723.02 

50 

455 

2598 

23 

153 

16 

26,004.20 

46 

109 

1  577 

20 

123 

17 

10564  91 

315 

1373 

12691 

116 

1,272 

310 

89,695.00 

8 

55 

256 

14 

4  958  55 

62 

314 

2345 

11 

104 

10 

19  870  00 

27 

159 

2045 

17 

165 

7 

49  312.71 

New  Hampshire.... 

49 

168 

648 

829 

6,642 
14  740 

55 
159 

546 
1  765 

22 
140 

43,696.72 
141  206  00 

454 

3725 

39026 

472 

2,799 

503 

333  762.15 

North  Carolina  
Ohio  

58 
622 

215 

2845 

1,784 
44,981 

it; 

412 

160 
3,666 

7 
438 

10,542.89 
322,134.23 

164 

2038 

11  738 

70 

1,040 

100 

101  97fi.24 

72 

271 

2891 

19 

306 

28 

58  142.14 

Pennsylvania  
Rhode  Island  
South  Carolina  
Switzerland  

894 
40 
15 
7 
146 

5,473 
375 
52 
66 
382 

91,788 

5,419 
663 
236 
4138 

950 
34 
10 
2 

27 

11,541 
418 
36 
16 
336 

1,116 
18 
7 
2 
139 

764,824.90 
58,456.77 
8,254.85 
1,865.45 
31451.74 

Texas  

173 

772 

4,749 

62 

466 

36 

50,622.11 

Utah  

5 

55 

296 

4 

23 

1 

6  676.70 

17 

170 

1  282 

7 

26 

2 

6  086  98 

Virginia         

48 

253 

3  192 

46 

549 

155 

32  986  00 

West  Virginia  

81 
239 

299 
1  378 

4,426 
13487 

21 

99 

449 
567 

53 
112 

34,952.69 
86  867.32 

Wyoming  

9 

71 

418 

5 

28 

1 

5,564  58 

Total  

6,653 

40,480 

455,293 

4,307 

43,327 

5,550 

83,998,844.71 

358 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


AMOUNTS  EXPENDED  FOR  THE  YEAR 
ENDING  DECEMBER  31,  1876, 

FOR  RELIEF  OF  BROTHERS  AND  THEIR  FAMILIES,  AND  FOR  FUNERAL 

EXPENSES  OF  DECEASED  MEMBERS,  AND  TOTAL  AMOUNT  OF 

RELIEF  EXTENDED  IN  THAT  YEAR. 


JURISDICTIONS. 

Amount 
Paid  for  the 
Relief  of 
Brothers. 

Amount 
Paid  for  the 
Relief  of 
Widowed 
Families. 

Amount 
Paid  for 
Burying  the 
Dead. 

Total  Belief. 

Alabama  

51,070.10 

$351  80 

$429.00 

$1  932.40 

Arkansas  

1,159.45 

172.60 

438.00 

1,782.85 

British  Columbia  
California  

3,050.00 
101,724.92 

30.00  , 
17,714.04 

222.00 
18,935.32 

3,302.00 
149,186.66 

Chili  

277.00 

60.00 

186.50 

523.50 

Colorado  

2,735.50 

191.00 

480.75 

3,407.25 

Connecticut  

12,786.81 

457.18 

3,206.05 

18,973.95 

Dakota  

173.00 

30.25 

96.12 

350.62 

Delaware  

7,196.64 

249.54 

2,831.41 

10,603.24 

District  Columbia  
Florida  

7,420.00 
129.00 

2,977.22 
20.00 

1,809.77 

60.00 

12,791.91 
239.00 

Georgia  

3,477.10 

1,169.50 

1,401.00 

6,074,36 

Illinois  

33,609.14 

5,222.66 

7,704.27 

50,242.48 

Indiana  

52,443.56 

5,885.96 

14.022.00 

76,007.25 

13,495.60 

260665 

3,167  17 

20,45:>  52 

Kansas  

4,596.50 

924.50 

985.00 

7  578.50 

18,775.06 

5556  73 

4,811.56 

32,060.43 

2,313.25 

1  162  95 

1  541  82 

5,270.22 

Low.  Prov.  B.  N.  A... 
Maine  

1,170.64 
21,123.72 

177.50 
771.05 

237.28 
1,460.00 

1,585.42 
23,506.84 

46.281.00 

20,831.57 

7,934.47 

79,329.45 

37,415.93 

594438 

8  167  40 

57,974.57 

Michigan  

8,492.08 

2,331.95 

3,279.92 

15,608.74 

Minnesota  
Mississippi  

2,392.38 
1,379.20 

624.60 
328.05 

713.25 
605.00 

4,377.23 
2,312.25 

Missouri  

18,741.50 
604.00 

8,402.00 

5,027.00 

36,314.50 
604.00 

Nebraska  

1,422.10 

230.00 

420.00 

2,242.10 

9,744.25 

43255 

1,482.75 

12,509.35 

New  Hampshire  

12,922.93 
52,743.03 

757.54 
389700 

2,725.10 
11  51492 

17,142.20 
68  313  95 

New  York  

101,515.81 

17  590  77 

31,958.72 

151,683.92 

North  Carolina  
Ohio  

1,172.48 
84,231.03 

125.00 
12217.53 

285.00 
13,770.77 

1,623.80 
116,743.27 

12,148.39 

3,94fi  05 

2  637  82 

20,663.31 

Oregon  

7,170.67 

1  635.00 

809.36 

11,773.88 

286.006.60 

14  469  88 

78  079.71 

379,26f>.46 

Rhode  Island  

13,942.20 

353.00 

2,094.00 

18,717.25 

South  Carolina  

448.50 
186.00 

142.00 
813 

107.00 
2800 

725.50 
302.13 

5,222.77 

3  68''  64 

1  431  05 

11  891  95 

Texas  

5,395.45 

714.15 

2  3M6  43 

9,066.93 

Utah  

308.00 

61  00 

10400 

54200 

879.77 

3500 

25000 

1  16477 

12,097.00 

4,16300 

465500 

21,424.00 

West  Virginia.  

8,143.58 
9,713.54 

750.15 
6231  40 

3,636.70 
4  522  72 

13,344.93 
22  172  39 

Wyoming  

716.65 

62.50 

245.25 

1,024.40 

Total  

81  030,163.83 

8155  697  97 

$252  316  36 

81  504  731.62 

THE  ODD-FELLOWS  TEXT-BOOK. 


359 


NUMBER  OF  ENCAMPMENTS,  NUMBER  OF  MEMBERS  AND  INITIATIONS, 
ETC.,  YEAR  ENDING  DECEMBER  31,  1876. 


JURISDICTIONS. 

& 

h 

• 

"38 

£ 

Initiated. 

Members,  Dec.  31, 
1876. 

No.  of  Patriarchs 
buried. 

No.  of  Patriarchs 
Relieved. 

1* 

£.2   . 

tt  t3 

SaS: 

C3  Q} 

0^:= 

Total  Receipts. 

Alabama  

9 
7 
59 
11 
20 
8 
4 
13 
175 
142 
89 
26 
55 
5 
23 
29 
41 
80 
14 
16 
73 
8 
7 
24 
45 
91 
12 
199 
34 
7 
226 
17 
5 
36 
57 
9 
17 
27 
61 

38 
7 
392 
24 
228 
25 
15 
27 
851 
459 
569 
108 
132 
32 
302 
60 
421 
270 
51 
23 
149 
47 
29 
154 
166 
524 
19 
721 
274 
9 
599 
73 

35 

112 

52 
43 
34 

237 

175 

124 
3,490 
289 
1,735 
372 
584 
453 
5,501 
5,771 
3,040 
838 
2,345 
161 
2,480 
2,010 
6,084 
2,587 
495 
278 
1,954 
282 
363 
2,186 
2,472 
5,438 
264 
11,350 
1,794 
374 
14,430 
1,526 
258 
689 
1,015 
347 
703 
824 
2,132 

2 
4 
20 
3 
10 
5 
8 
6 
36 
63 
15 
2 
7 
3 
15 
27 
62 
13 
1 
4 
14 

'S 
24 
23 
62 
2 
104 
20 
2 
f52 
11 

9 

2 
256 

'"72 
50 
52 
37 
309 
682 
89 
25 
170 
6 
156 
474 
230 
35 
8 
28 
114 
8 
20 
115 
240 
261 

1,085 
111 

2,021 
62 

1 
1 

15 

1 

14 
6 
2 

"9 
1 

24 
3 
4 

i 

5 

"3 

3 
6 

22 
2 

24 
1 

$1,002.45 
725.00 
45,065.07 
1,451.30 
7,377.24 
1,611.80 
2,660.25 
1,490.30 
19,484.13 
24,125.70 
9,665.72 
3.916.30 
8,111.73 
1,115.65 
12,648.82 
14,747.63 
29,461.90 
7,452.98 
2,084.80 
1,199.70 
8,279.95 
1,248.34 
5,065.02 
6,225.40 
11,039.93 
20,062.78 
827.86 
63,777.51 
6,154.17 
1,564.54 
99,914.19 
8,865.05 

Arkansas  

California  

Colorado  

Connecticut  
Delaware  

Dist.  Columbia.. 
Georgi  a  

Illinois  

Indiana  

Iowa  

Kansas  

Kentucky  

Louisiana  

Maine  

Maryland  

Massachusetts.... 
Michigan  

Minnesota.  

Mississippi  

Missouri  

Nebraska  

Nevada  

New  Hampshire 
New  Jersey  
New  York  

North  Carolina.. 
Ohio  

Ontario  

Oregon  

Pennsylvania.... 
Rhode  Island.... 
South  Carolina- 
Tennessee  
Texas  

2 
8 
1 
8 
9 
12 

37 
27 
6 
55 
75 
10 

3 

"e 

1 
13 

2,799.10 
4,012.35 
962.28 
2,799.36 
2,986.47 
5,753.94 

Vermont  

Virginia  

West  Virginia... 
Wisconsin  

Total  

1,781 

7,321 

87,213 

763 

6,937 

171 

$447,736.71 

360 


THE   ODD-FELLOWS'    TEXT-BOOK. 


AMOUNT  EXPENDED  IN  ENCAMPMENTS   FOR  THE 
YEAR  ENDING  DECEMBER  31,  1876, 

FOR  RELIEF  OF  PATRIARCHS  AND  THEIR  FAMILIES,  AND   FOR   FU- 

NERAL  EXPENSES  OF  DECEASED  MEMBERS,  AND  TOTAL  AMOUNT 

OF  RELIEF  EXTENDED  IN  THAT  YEAR. 


JUEISDICTIOK. 

Amount  Paid 
for  the  Relief 
of  Patriarchs. 

2^3 
-31   . 

^j  *"*  13    39 

Ijsll 

O  *•*            £ 

<<2'ota 

Amount  Paid 
for  Burying 
the  Dead. 

kj 

_o 

"3 

a 

"3 
1 

Alabama  

$68.75 

$25  00 

$93  75 

Arkansas  

12.00 

$1000 

1000 

3200 

California  

11,372.15 

749.00 

1,278.00 

13,449.15 

Connecticut  

926.80 

165  00 

1  131.80 

Delaware  

1,469.00 

9.00 

315  00 

1,813.00 

District  Columbia. 

1,091.00 

16000 

1,251.00 

Georgia  

241.00 

85.00 

326.00 

Illinois  

3,056.87 

305.00 

450  40 

3,812.27 

Indiana  

8,966.63 

5355 

1  731  25 

10,928.63 

Iowa    

1,829.25 

50.00 

155.00 

2,073.75 

Kansas  

282.00 

282.00 

Kentucky    

3  130  50 

50  00 

654  00 

4  002  60 

Louisiana  

120.70 

40.00 

160.70 

Maine  
Maryland  

6,545.44 
7,207.00 

2  290.00 

200.00 
71800 

6,765.44 
10,273.00 

Massachusetts  
Mich  i  "an  

3,954.25 
522.58 

40.10 
60.50 

1,491.00 
20000 

5,620.35 

783.08 

Minnesota  

73.00 

73.00 

M  is-:jssippi  

244.50 

30.00 

57  50 

332.00 

Missouri  

1,369.65 

104.50 

215.40 

1,689.55 

Nebrask  a  

103.50 

103.50 

NVvada  

844.50 

175.00 

1,122.50 

New  Hampshire- 
New  Jersey  

1,333.59 
4,907.95 

100.00 
25  00 

170.00 
391  00 

1,605.59 
5,367.68 

New  York  

5,666  06 

101  00 

2  104  05 

7,871.11 

Xorth  Carolina.... 

Ohio  

23  597  93 

433  50 

2  337  09 

26  368.52 

Ontario  

789.94 

1400 

25000 

1,086.19 

Oregon  

Pennsylvania  
Rhode  Island  

50,572.25 
1,463.78 

789.25 
25.00 

9,917.35 
300.00 

61,338.85 
1,847.64 

Tennessee  

264.00 

6500 

4000 

369.00 

Texas  

23450 

103  50 

338.00 

Vermont  

92.00 

5200 

144.00 

Virginia  

1,179.30 

25800 

12000 

1,557.30 

West  Virginia  
Wisconsin  

1,135.50 
128.00 

5.00 
809.00 

468.00 
205.00 

1,608.50 
1,142.00 

Total  

$144,795.87 

$6,519.90 

$24,440.04 

$176,763.45 

THE  ODD-FBI  .LOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.         361 

ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 

ODD- FELLOWSHIP,  like  all  other  institutions  de- 
vised for  the  benefit  of  mankind,  is  the  fruit  of  a 
progressive  civilization.  By  this  power  it  has  been 
wonderfully  advanced  and  developed  in  the  expan- 
sion of  its  capabilities,  and  the  enlargement  of  its 
field  of  labor.  After  more  than  fifty  years  of  unre- 
mitting effort  in  its  proper  sphere,  it  has  become  a 
fixed  institution  of  society  as  a  reliable  secular  aid 
against  the  pressure  of  suffering  humanity.  It  has 
grown,  as  many  other  Orders  of  kindred  character, 
formed  in  a  good  degree  upon  its  example,  out  of  the 
demand  for  auxiliaries,  by  the  physical,  as  well  as 
the  moral  needs  of  men.  Progress  and  civilization, 
which  are  practically  correlative  terms,  are  always 
moving  under  the  light  of  accumulating  experience, 
constrained  by  a  continuous  "  necessity  as  the  mother 
of  invention."  All  our  institutions,  whether  social, 
political,  religious,  or  moral,  are  the  creatures  of  this 
mystic  force,  and  have  been  controlled,  modified,  re- 
formed, and  perfected  under  its  processes,  so  that 
their  present  excellence  has  been  graduated  from  rude 
and  simple  originals.  Under  this  law  of  the  social 
organization,  mutual  co-operation  against  the  trials 
of  life  has  been  introduced,  as  alike  the  instinct  of 
a  common  humanity  and  the  suggestion  of  a  wise 
Providence.  It  has  enabled  men  to  uplift  and  succor 
each  other  in  adversity,  free  from  public  dependence, 
and  to  promote  a  spirit  of  fraternity  which  knits 
them  together  in  spite  of  the  partition-walls  set  up  to 
estrange  and  separate  them.  Although  but  feebly 


362  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

supported  in  its  inception,  it  has  conquered  its  way  by 
persistent  effort.  In  the  present  century  it  has  had 
a  grand  success.  Everywhere  are  such  associations 
formed,  and  the  principle  is  universally  recognized, 
that  of  all  the  obligations  of  men  to  society  none  are 
paramount  to  the  duty  of  helping  each  other.  As  a 
practical  illustration  of  this  truth,  millions  are  con- 
tributed in  this  direction  through  lay  or  secular  or- 
ganizations, instituted  exclusively  in  the  interest  of 
an  improved  humanity.  Citizens  of  all  sects,  relig- 
ious as  well  as  political,  have  been  educated  in  this 
school  to  ignore  selfish  combinations,  and  to  come  to- 
gether on  a  common  platform  for  mutual  support.  The 
vast  amount  thus  applied  would  otherwise  have  been 
hoarded,  possibly,  for  personal  aggrandizement.  The 
most  effective  form  in  which  this  valuable  auxiliary 
is  exerted,  is  in  the  associated  efforts  of  men,  who 
harmonize  in  this  work  however  differing  in  other  re- 
spects ;  especially  is  this  the  case  when  such  organi- 
zations are  confederated  and  systematically  united, 
having  their  agencies  and  subordinates  multiplied  in 
every  city,  town,  village,  and  hamlet  throughout  the 
earth. 

Who  can  calculate  the  value  of  such  institutions,  not 
>nly  to  their  immediate  membership,  but  as  substan- 
tial public  supports?  Their  withdrawal  would  be 
seriously  felt,  not  only  as  the  loss  of  an  immense 
moral  power  in  society,  but  also  from  the  fact  that 
their  absence  would  necessarily  transfer  the  burden 
which  they  bear  to  the  public.  Among  the  many 
tributaries  to  the  general  welfare  of  this  character 
which  are  diffusing  blessings  upon  men,  from  year  to 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  363 

year,  noiselessly,  yet  most  effectively,  Odd-Fellow- 
ship, by  its  widely-extended  resources,  has  done  a 
colossal  work.    A  brief  statement,  without  the  aid  of 
comment,  will  abundantly  verify  this  fact : 
From  1830  to  December  31,  1876  — 

Initiations 1,022,800 

Members  relieved ...  773,191 

Widowed  families  relieved 102,754 

Members  deceased 69,867 

Total  receipts $64,633,783.90 

Total  relief 23,982,887.62 

RECAPITULATION  OF  STATISTICS. 
LODGES. 

No.  of  Grand  Lodges 48 

No.  of  Lodges,  December  31,  1876 6,678 

No.  of  Members,  December  31,  1876 456,125 

No.  of  New  Members  Initiated  in  1876 40,646 

No.  of  Deaths  in  1876 ^ 4,307 

No.  of  Members  Relieved  in  1876 43,327 

No.  of  Widowed  Families  Relieved  in  1876 5,550 

Arnouut  Paid  for  Relief  of  Members $1,030,163.83 

Amount  Paid  for  Relief  of  Widowed  Families 155,697.97 

Amount  Paid  for  Burying  the  Dead 252,316.36 

Amount  Paid  for  Fxiucation  of  Orphans 14,947.70 

Total  Amount  Paid  for  Relief. 1,504,731.62 

Total  Revenue  for  year  1876 4,284,867.96 

ENCAMPMENTS. 

No.  of  Grand  Encampments , 39 

No.  of  Encampments,  December  31, 1876 1,806 

No.  of  Members,  December  31, 1876 87,785 

No.  of  Members  Initiated  same  year 7,321 

No.  of  Deaths  same  year 763 

No.  of  Members  Relieved  same  year 6,937 

No.  of  Widowed  Families  Relieved  same  year 171 

Amount  Paid  for  the  Relief  of  Members $177,151.45 

Amount  Paid  for  Burying  the  Dead 24,440.04 

Amount  Paid  for  Relief  of  Widowed  Families 6,519.90 

Total  Amount  Paid  for  Relief  in  1876 176,763.45 

Amount  of  Receipts  for  same  year 453,034.72 

Total  Receipts  from  all  sources  during  year  1876 4,489,872.46 

Total  Relief  for  all  Purposes  during  same  year 1,689,485.62 

The  Lodges  in  Australia  and  Germany  are  not  in- 
cluded in  the  above  statement. 


364  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

These  figures  are  presented  to  show  the  practical 
value  of  such  agencies  to  society  at  large,  in  strength- 
ening the  arm  of  government,  adding,  as  they  do, 
immense  power  to  it,  by  the  moral  supports  which 
they  supply.  Not  that  we  would  boast  or  be  vain- 
glorious of  our  good  works,  but  that  necessarily,  in 
describing  our  mission  during  half  a  century  and 
more,  its  fruits  must  appear,  and  illustrate,  as  a  nat- 
ural outgrowth,  the  divine  principles  upon  which 
Odd  Fellowship  rests.  Yet,  notwithstanding  this 
glorious  record,  our  pathway  has  been  impeded  and 
greatly  hindered.  We  have,  however,  survived  all 
opposition,  and  can  to-day  congratulate  ourselves  that 
we  have  at  length  enlisted  the  favor  of  all  good  men 
in  Church  and  State,  of  every  class  and  calling,  and 
of  every  kindred  benevolent  Order,  without  exception, 
and  have  thus  conquered  every  enemy  worthy  of  con- 
sideration. Justly,  therefore,  may  we  exult  upon  our 
signal  prosperity,  especially  when  it  has  been  reached 
by  our  own  unaided  labors.  Looking  from  the 
present  stand-point  upon  the  past  of  American  Odd- 
Fellowship,  and  from  these  forming  a  rational  esti- 
mate of  its  future,  our  hearts  may  swell  with  honest 
pride,  in  the  consciousness  that  we  have  not  lived  in 
vain.  In  another  half  century,  it  will  in  all  proba- 
bility have  girdled  the  earth  with  its  golden  chain, 
and  diffused  its  blessings  upon  millions.  Can  it 
be  a  matter  of  w  wider,  that  in  such  a  cause,  Odd 
Fellows  should  counsel  together  for  its  welfare,  to 
renew  their  vows  of  fidelity  and  devotion  to  it,  and  to 
each  other,  and  to  supplicate  with  uplifted  hearts  for 
the  continued  favor  of  Him,  who  has  ever  been  its 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  365 

firm  friend  and  support,  and  for  the  promotion  of 
whose  original  intend ment  of  fraternity  among  men, 
it  has  unremittingly  toiled  for  so  many  years  ?  Oh  ! 
no,  the  wonder  would  be  that  we  could  be  such  un- 
worthy descendants  of  the  noble  sires  who  have  be- 
queathed to  us  the  legacy,  as  to  fail  to  realize  its  value 
and  our  duty  to  preserve  and  perpetuate  it. 


ODD -FELLOWSHIP    IN    FOREIGN    COUN- 
TRIES. 

GERMANY.  —  Odd-Fellowship  in  the  Fatherland  is  assuring  and 
encouraging.  The  Institution,  under  the  guidance  of  our  German 
Brethren,  enjoys  the  highest  degree  of  prosperity,  and  its  char- 
acter is  a  subject  of  gratification  and  admiration.  Herewith  is  a 
statement  of  the  status  of  the  Order  in  that  jurisdiction,  January 
1,  1877. 

Under  the  immediate  jurisdiction  of  the  Lodges.  Members. 

Grand  Lodge  of  the  German  Empire 4  133 

Grand  Lodge  of  Brandenburg 12  761 

Grand  Lodge  of  Wurtemberg 13  587 

Grand  Lodge  of  Hanover 8  360 

Grand  Lodge  of  Saxony 5  170 

Total 42       2,011 

Encampments,  5 ;  members,  185 ;  receipts  for  year  1876,  by 
Subordinates  of  Brandenburg  and  Wurtemberg,  $5,181;  relief, 
$1,165. 

The  following  statement  of  the  Order  under  the  jurisdiction  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  German  Empire  is 
31* 


366      THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

Grand  Lodges,  4.     Members,  January  1,  1876 1,789 

Initiated,  443;  admitted  by  card,  76;  reinstated,  1.     Total.     520 

2,309 

Deduct  withdrawn,  147  ;  suspended,  118;  expelled,  16  ;  de- 
ceased, 15.     Total 296 


Members,  December  31,  1876 2,013 

Encampments,  5.     Members,  January  1,  1876 209 

Initiated,  12;  admitted  by  card,  1;  reinstated,  1.     Total...       14 

223 
Deduct  withdrawn,  4 ;  suspended,  33  ;  deceased,!.     Total..      38 


Members,  December  31,  1876 185 

Number  of  Brothers  relieved,  184 ;  widowed  families 
relieved,  59. 

Paid  for  the  relief  of  Brothers $2,010.12 

Paid  for  the  relief  of  widowed  families 529.75 

Paid  for  the  education  of  orphans 92.50 

Paid  for  burying  the  dead 562.00 

Paid  for  special  relief 360.75 

Total  relief. $3,555.12 

Amount  of  the  annual  receipts,  $21,142.17. 

Number  of  Patriarchs  relieved,  3. 

Paid  for  the  relief  of  Patriarchs,  $17.25. 

Amount  of  annual  receipts  of  the  Encampments,  $292.75. 

AUSTRALIA. — The  twenty-third  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
Australia  was  held  at  Ballarat,  August  15,  16,  and  17,  1876. 

The  Lodges  in  the  Colony  of  Victoria  are  numbered  from  No, 
1  to  89,  inclusive,  and  in  Tasmania  from  No.  1  to  3,  inclusive. 

Membership,  March  31,  1876,  Victoria,  41  Lodges 2,387 

Membership,  March  31,  1876,  Tasmania,  3  Lodges 153 

Total 2,540 

Year  ending  December  31,  1876. 

Assets  of  the  41  Lodges  in  Victoria $41,368 

Paid  to  sick  members 9,653 

Total  receipts 36,549 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  367 

The  Funeral  Fund  is  contributed  by  the  Subordinates  to  the 
Grand  Lodge,  which  receives  and  disburses  the  same. 

Amount  thus  paid  by  the  Grand  Lodge $3,050 

Amount  paid  by  Lodges  to  the  sick 9,653 


Total  relief  for  the  year $12,703 

Balance  General  Funeral  Fund  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  June 

80,1876 $19,400 

Balance  Grand  Lodge  Fund,  June  30,  1876 16.330 

Balance  Hall  and  Asylum  Fund,  June  30,  1876 2,856 

NEW  ZEALAND. — "  The  Order  has  been  making  steady  progress, 
and  with  funds  to  credit  representing  about  £8  per  member," 
(say  $40,00). 

From  the  printed  Journals  of  the  13th  and  14th  Annual  Ses- 
sions, held  August  23-27  and  September  1,  1875,  and  September 
18,  19,  20,  22,  October  4  and  11,  1876,  we  compile  the  following, 
converting  their  currency  into  dollars  and  cents: 

June  30, 1875.  June  30, 1876. 

Number  of  Lodges  14  15 

Number  of  members 600  650 

Funeral  Fund  held  by  Grand  Lodge $2,483  $3,753 

Incidental  or  Management  Fund 561  537 

Aggregate  value  of  Lodge  funds 12,600  15,000 

Expended  during  the  year  for  sickness..        975  635 

Expended  during  the  year  for  funerals...        150  425 

Total  relief $1,125  $1,060 

Twenty  Lodges  have  been  instituted,  four  dissolved,  and  one 
amalgamated,  leaving  fifteen  working. 

The  Order  in  Australasia,  at  the  latest  advices,  consisted  of  the 

Lodges.  Members. 

Grand  Lodge  of  Australia,  Colony  of  Victoria 44       2,510 

New  South  Wales 2          160 

Tasmania 3          180 

Grand  Lodge  of  New  Zealand 17          800 


Total 66       3,660 


368  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

BURIED  BY  ODD-FELLOWS. 

"  MR.  FELIX  CORPUT,  Noble  Grand  of  the  United 
Brothers'  Lodge,  No.  5,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  hands  us  the 
following  note,  which  arrived  yesterday,  addressed  to 
the  Secretary  of  the  Lodge.  We  have  never  seen  an 
instance  which  presents  in  more  beautiful  aspect  the 
grand  mesh  of  benevolence  which  Odd-Fellowship  is 
weaving  around  the  earth.  The  mystic  links  of  the 
Order  which  symbol  the  highest  traits  of  human 
character  are  large  enough  to  embrace  the  world,  and 
so  widely  have  they  extended,  so  vast  has  become  the 
brotherhood,  that  let  a  man  fall,  there  are  hands  ready 
to  lift  him  up,  and  if  he  perish,  there  are  those  who 
will  see  that  he  has  proper  burial.  It  will  be  a  con- 
solation to  the  friends  of  poor  SPRITZ  to  know  that 
his  body  was  so  kindly  cared  for,  and  decently  en- 
tombed. Here  is  the  letter,  exemplifying  the  beauti- 
ful workings  of  the  Order  of  Odd-Fellows : 

"  SCILLY  ISLE,  ST.  MARY'S,  May  17,  1875. 
"DEAR  SIR  AND  BROTHER:  —  In  the  pocket  of  one  of  the  un- 
fortunate sufferers  by  the  loss  of  the  '  Schiller '  on  our  shore, 
was  found  a  card  showing  that  Brother  H.  SPRITZ  was  a  member 
of  United  Brothers'  Lodge  of  Odd-Fellows,  of  Macon,  Ga.,  and 
was  in  good  standing  in  his  Lodge. 

"  Not  knowing  our  brother  in  life,  we  knew  him  only  in  death, 
and  paid  our  last  token  of  respect  by  following  his  remains  to 
their  last  resting-place,  in  regalia.  If  you  can  give  me  any  in- 
formation as  to  his  parents'  whereabouts,  I  shall  feel  obliged,  a» 
I  wish  to  communicate  with  them. 

"  I  remain  yours,  etc., 

J.  C.  TONKINS, 
Hope  of  Scilly  Lodge,  No.  2257." 


ODD-FELLOWSHIP -WHAT  IS  IT? 


THIS  question  has  doubtless  presented  itself  to  many 
who  know  nothing  of  Odd-Fellowship,  except  perchance 
from  common  report,  or  the  vague  suggestions  of  a  mor- 
bid prejudice;  hence  it  is  often  condemned  as  an  idle 
organization,  characterized,  as  its  name  would  seem  to 
import,  rather  for  levity  than  for  fidelity  to  the  noble 
object  at  which  it  professes  so  earnestly  and  exclusively 
to  aim.  To  correct  so  common  an  error,  to  remove  such 
unjust  prejudices,  and  to  secure  for  Odd-Fellowship  the 
approving  sentiment  it  so  well  deserves,  are  the  objects 
of  this  brief  paper.  In  the  confidence  of  conscious  merit, 
it  courts  a  scrutiny  into  its  principles  and  practices,  with 
the  assurance  that  an  enlightened  public  opinion  will 
render  an  impartial  judgment  on  the  standard  of  excel- 
lence which  pervades  the  one,  and  the  practical  benefits 
that  flow  from  the  other. 

ITS  NAME. 

The  name  often  confuses  and  perplexes  intelligent 
and  liberal-minded  people.  Why,  it  is  asked,  assume  a 
designation  so  singular,  if  the  object  be  excellent,  and 
such  as  all  good  men  would  commend?  The  candid 
inquiry  should  be,  what  is  the  object,  what  the  fruit  of 
the  tree  claimed  to  be  prolific  of  good?  If  the  sugges- 
tion should  be  made  why  Freemasonry  is  so  called, 
practical  masonry  forming  at  this  day  no  part  of  its 
work,  the  reply  would  doubtless  be,  that,  although  such 
is  the  fact,  it  does  not  follow  that  the  name  is  idle  or 

Y  369 


370  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

inappropriate,  since  there  may  be  a  fitness  in  its  appli- 
cation of  an  entirely  independent  character.  The  name 
of  Freemasonry  may,  and  actually  does,  import  associa- 
tions significant  of  and  inseparable  from  the  origin  of 
the  Order.  Having  had  its  beginning  centuries  ago 
with  the  artisans  of  the  masonic  craft,  for  their  mutual 
protection  and  recognition,  and  the  advancement  of 
their  noble  art,  the  history  of  its  early  struggles  to 
maintain  its  universality,  and  a  thousand  other  hal- 
lowed memories  connected  vnth  its  progress  amid  the 
fall  of  empires  and  the  conflicts  of  nations,  have  justly 
inspired  a  veneration  for  its  name,  notwithstanding  its 
practical  appositeness  may  have  ceased  to  exist.  Its 
name  is  affectionately  cherished  by  its  votaries,  because 
it  has  lived  and  moved,  and  had  a  prolonged  and  useful 
being  through  the  vast  past,  still  lives  in  the  teeming 
and  novel  present,  and  gives  promise  that  it  will  survive 
through  the  distant  and  pregnant  future.  So  with  Odd- 
Fellowship;  it  also  had  its  origin  with  the  sons  of  toil, 
and  of  the  same  craft,  viz.,  the  marble  masons  of  Lon- 
don, at  the  close  of  the  last  century.  A  wise  Providence 
led  them,  whose  daily  bread  depended  upon  their  daily 
toil,  by  association  to  form  a  common  fund,  and  thus  to 
secure  in  health  the  means  of  support  when  prostrated 
by  disease.  In  its  experimental  outset,  like  Freema- 
sonry, it  encountered  a  corresponding  ordeal ;  it  had  no 
prestige  to  smooth  its  uneven  and  obstructed  pathway; 
reliant  only  upon  its  intrinsic  worth,  it  also  has  survived 
jbloquy  and  prejudice  for  more  than  half  a  century, 
and  has  lived  to  attain  its  present  meridian  height. 
Can  it  excite  wonder  that  these  memories,  which  cluster 
around  the  name  of  Odd-Fellow,  should  secure  for  it  a 
love  and  veneration  that  overcome  and  subdue  the 
merely  fastidious  taste  which  would  discard  or  shun  it? 
No  one  can  affirm  that  this  name,  though  the  cause  of 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  371 

touch  prejudice,  has  not  been,  in  a  proportionate  degree, 
an  element  of  success.  Conceived  in  humility,  it  has 
achieved  and  become  identified  with  an  honorable  dis- 
tinction. Its  good  deeds  have  made  it  familiar  to  the 
public  ear  and  popular  mind.  Wherefore,  then,  the 
wisdom  or  the  propriety  of  changing  it?  Such  a  change 
would  not  now  be  possible.  It  cannot  be  made. 

ITS   OBJECT. 

The  idea  of  Odd-Fellowship  at  the  beginning,  instinc- 
tive of  a  wise  Providence,  was,  as  has  been  already 
stated,  mutual  relief  and  protection.  It  was,  it  is  true, 
a  crudely  digested  system,  if  system  it  could  be  called. 
This  idea,  embodied  into  substantial  form,  and  disci- 
plined by  experience  and  observation,  continues  to  be  a 
vital,  although  by  no  means  the  predominant,  element 
of  its  organization.  It  assumes,  also,  as  a  cardinal 
office,  an  earnest  and  unintermitting  care  for  the  moral 
health  of  its  membership.  Man  has  a  moral  as  well  as 
a  physical  nature,  and  the  wants  of  each  being  recipro- 
cal, they  keep  equal  pace  and  move  in  parallel  lines. 
There  is  a  mutual  dependence  which  controls  both.  In 
truth,  there  is  no  appetite  of  the  human  body  more 
craving  and  inexorable,  than  is  the  insatiate  hunger  of 
the  human  heart  for  moral  support.  Infirmity  of  body, 
as  well  as  of  mind,  is  common  to  humanity ;  and  there 
exists  necessarily,  as  inseparable  from  this  condition,  a 
corresponding  natural  desire  for  sympathy.  To  supply 
this  ever  -  recurring  want,  Odd-Fellowship  addresses 
itself,  by  a  combination  of  efforts,  in  aid  of  the  moral 
as  well  as  of  the  physical  man.  These  two  aims,  hap- 
pily blended,  comprehend  its  lever  power  against  pen- 
ury and  vice,  by  which  it  labors  to  mitigate  as  well 
"  the  ills  to  which  all  flesh  is  heir,"  as  to  elevate  and 
ennoble  our  nature. 


372  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

ITS   SECRECY. 

The  term  secrecy  denotes  something  hidden,  or  con- 
cealed from  the  common  eye.  So  as  vice  and  immoral- 
ity instinctively  shun  the  light,  and  shrink  from  its 
gaze  into  the  darkest  recesses,  mankind  are  accustomed 
to  associate  evil  with  every  private  or  secret  organiza- 
tion; hence  the  too  general  condemnation  of  Odd-Fel- 
lowship and  other  kindred  benevolent  societies,  Undei 
the  prompting  of  this  ordinary  prejudgment,  it  is  often 
asked,  with  an  air  of  conscious  triumph,  why  "hide 
your  light  under  a  bushel?"  This  argument,  if  such  it 
may  be  called,  addresses  itself  indiscriminately  against 
the  merit  of  everything  which  the  vulgar  eye  cannot 
discern.  It  is  a  general,  or  rather  a  universal,  anathema 
against  secrecy  in  the  abstract.  To  follow  where  its 
conclusions  lead  would  be  to  involve  society  in  inextri- 
cable confusion,  since  secrecy,  or  mystery,  in  so  far  as 
human  intellect  can  reach,  is  rather  the  rule  than  the 
exception.  There  is  no  relation  of  life,  or  sphere  of 
nature,  without  its  proper  and  inevitable  secret  —  no 
science,  no  art,  no  philosophy,  nothing  beneath  the  sum 
which 

"  The  mind  of  man 
Can  fully  scan." 

Abstract  secrecy,  or  secrecy  of  itself,  is,  therefore,  no 
valid  objection.  There  is,  however,  a  sense  in  which 
secrecy  is  an  evil ;  that  is  when  it  is  perverted,  just  as 
any  other  principle,  however  good  in  itself,  when  abused, 
will  exert  a  mischievous  and  pernicious  influence.  The 
true  touchstone  is  the  use,  not  the  abuse,  of  secrecy,  —  to 
this  test  Odd-Fellowship  cordially  submits  its  work. 

But,  apart  from  this  view  of  the  general  subject, 
strange  as  it  may  sound  to  the  uninitiated,  it  is  never- 
theless true  that  Odd-Fellowship  is  not  a  secret  society. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  373 

By  far  the  larger  portion  of  its  ritual,  or  work,  is  in 
print,  and  is  known  to  thousands  and  hundreds  of  thou- 
sands ;  all  of  its  general  legislation,  comprising  volumes 
of  matter,  is  accessible  to  the  public  eye,  and  much  of 
its  ceremonial  is  constantly  displayed  to  the  public 
gaze.  True,  it  possesses  an  unwritten  and  unspoken 
language,  intelligible  only  to  the  membership.  This 
language  is,  however,  unimportant  to  the  outside  world, 
since  it  serves  simply  the  purpose  of  mutual  recognition 
between  those  to  whom  it  is  known.  The  members  of 
the  family  have  exclusive  claims  upon  the  supply  which 
their  joint  labors  and  contributions  have  stored;  hence 
it  is  fitting  that  safeguards  should  be  thrown  around 
these  claims  —  how  otherwise  could  a  mutual  relief  soci- 
ety, in  the  secular  sense  of  the  word,  be  sustained  ?  This 
is  all  the  secrecy  of  Odd-Fellowship. 

ITS   GOVERNMENT. 

All  objects,  the  successful  attainment  of  which  is 
hoped  for  by  the  combination  of  masses  of  men,  and  the 
consolidation  of  many  minds  into  a  single  will,  demand 
a  subordination  which  can  only  be  maintained  by  a  sys- 
tem of  law  and  order.  Odd-Fellowship,  in  conformity 
to  this  experience,  has  an  organization  peculiar  to  itself. 
It  has  a  paramount  fundamental  law,  embodied  in  the 
form  of  a  written  Constitution,  emanating  from  a 
supreme  federal  head,  styled  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
United  States.  This  body  is  representative  in  its  char- 
acter, and  exercises  executive,  legislative,  and  judicial 
powers.  It  assembles  once  a  year;  during  its  recess  its 
chief  officer,  called  the  M.  W.  Grand  Sire,  chosen  bien- 
nially by  the  Body  itself,  is  vested  with  executive  power 
within  constitutional  limits.  From  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  the  United  States,  as  the  great  heart  of  the  Order, 
flow,  and  are  distributed,  the  ramified  powers  and  func- 
32 


374  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

tions  which  are  possessed  and  exercised  by  its  subordi- 
nate agencies.  The  first,  and  the  most  important,  of 
these,  are  the  State,  Territorial,  Provincial  or  Colonial 
Grand  Bodies,  so  called  for  the  reason  that  their  sphere 
of  action  is  confined  to  their  respective  geographical 
limits.  These  bodies  each  have  written  constitutions 
and  general  laws  for  the  government  of  the  Order  with- 
in their  respective  jurisdictions,  enacted  by  themselves, 
but  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
United  States.  From  them,  also,  are  chosen  biennially 
the  representatives  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United 
States,  and  by  them  alone  are  the  primary  assemblies 
of  the  Order,  the  Subordinate  Bodies,  created  and 
immediately  supervised,  subject,  however,  to  a  ritual 
and  general  regulations,  which  are  alike  common  to 
every  Lodge  of  Odd-Fellows  throughout  the  globe. 
The  Subordinate  Lodge  is  the  active  working  theatre 
of  the  Order,  and  membership  in  good  standing  in  uny 
one  Lodge,  evidenced  by  proper  authority,  is  a  passport 
to  admission  into  any  other  Lodge,  wherever  situated, 
and  to  aid  and  assistance  from  it  when  the  brother  who 
desires  the  one,  or  needs  the  other,  makes  known  his 
character.  This  system  of  government  has  proved  so 
admirably  adapted  to  the  great  object  of  the  institution, 
that  perfect  fellowship  and  subordination  have  prevailed 
ever  since  its  formation;  each  body  adhering  to  its 
appropriate  sphere,  and  all  moving  in  perfect  harmony 
as  a  whole. 

RELIGIOUS  ASPECT. 

Odd-Fellowship  is  a  moral,  not  a  religious  organiza- 
tion. The  religious  world  is  divided  into  many  sects, 
each  intent  upon  the  promotion  of  its  peculiar  plans  and 
interests,  and  of  consequence  wanting  in  that  unity  of 
action  so  essential  in  every  secular  institution  to  the 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK  375 

eecurement  of  those  great  results  which  illustrate  the 
triumph  of  benevolence  and  charity.  This  want  is,  in  a 
good  degree,  met  by  the  employment  of  an  agency  not 
amenable  to  such  a  disability,  and  in  which  men  of 
many  sects  and  creeds  may  cordially  co-operate  and 
labor,  upon  common  ground,  for  the  relief  of  human 
suffering.  Such  an  institution  is  Odd-Fellowship.  It 
does  not  array  itself  against  the  CHURCH,  nor  presume 
to  arrogate  its  functions,  or  to  supervise  its  teachings. 
Its  Lodges  are  not  the  council-rooms  of  enmity  to  reli- 
gious, civil,  moral,  or  social  organizations.  Far  other- 
wise: all  its  oracles  and  instructions  in  relation  to  these 
grave  subjects  find  their  warrant  and  authority  in  the 
divine  law,  under  the  inspiration  of  which  it  proclaims 
the  Golden  Rule  as  the  sublimest  illustration  of  the  law 
of  love. 

THE  SUBORDINATE   LODGE. 

Five  or  more  members  of  the  Order  in  good  standing 
—  by  which  is  meant  that  they  are  clear  of  the  books 
of  the  Lodge,  and  free  from  any  charge  affecting  char- 
acter —  may  petition  for  authority  to  institute  a  Lodge. 
This  petition  must  be  addressed  to  the  State,  Territorial, 
Provincial  or  Colonial  Grand  Lodge  within  the  geo- 
graphical limits  of  which  it  is  proposed  to  locate  the 
Lodge;  if  no  Grand  Lodge  exists  in  such  community, 
then  the  application  must  be  addressed  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  United  States;  or,  if  in  recess,  to  the 
M.  W.  Grand  Sire.  A  Subordinate  Lodge  is  the  ele- 
mentary organization  of  the 'Order,  and,  as  has  already 
been  said,  is  the  active  field  of  its  labors.  It  is  there 
that  the  initiate  receives  his  first  impressions  of  Odd- 
Fellowship.  There  the  broad  foundation  upon  which 
the  whole  superstructure  rests  is  laid  bare  to  him,  and 
the  brotherhood  of  man  is  taught  as  the  inspiration  of 


376  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

Deity  and  the  first  law  of  nature.  The  lessons  and 
instructions  there  rehearsed  within  his  hearing  will  cre- 
ate in  him  new  impressions,  if  he  be  not  wholly  callous 
and  insensible  to  the  voice  of  humanity  and  to  the  coun- 
sels of  wisdom.  The  business  of  a  subordinate  Lodge 
is,  however,  chiefly  administrative;  its  peculiar  office  is 
to  provide  the  means  to  meet  the  claims  of  its  sick  and 
distressed  members;  to  care  for  them  properly  during 
their  illness;  to  bury  the  dead;  to  succor  the  widow, 
and  to  educate  the  orphan.  In  the  faithful  discharge 
of  these  duties  it  is  ever  watchful  that  no  imposition  is 
practised  by  unworthy  members,  and  that  exact  obedi- 
ence is  yielded  to  the  laws.  It  is  also  sedulous  in 
requiring  and  enforcing  a  high-toned  morality  and  an 
upright  ~w  alk  in  life.  Every  Lodge  enacts  its  own  by- 
laws, which  regulate  the  mutual  obligations  between  it 
and  its  membership,  and  possesses  exclusive  control 
over  its  own  funds  within  their  legitimate  application. 

BENEFITS. 

The  by-laws  of  a  Lodge  may  be  regarded  as  a  con- 
tract between  the  initiate  and  the  Lodge;  they  define 
generally  the  reciprocal  duties  and  obligations  of  each ; 
they  prescribe  the  amount  of  the  contribution  levied 
upon  each  member  to  the  common  fund,  and  the 
amount  of  his  claim  upon  it  when  sick  or  disabled. 
Ordinarily  the  tax  does  not  exceed  ten  cents,  nor  does 
the  benefit  exceed  four  dollars  per  week.  There  are 
exceptional  cases,  where  the.  Lodge  exacts  a  larger  pre- 
mium and  pays  a  larger  weekly  benefit;  in  but  few 
instances,  however,  does  the  tax  exceed  twenty  cents,  or 
the  benefits  six  dollars  per  week.  These  by-laws  also 
provide  the  amount  to  be  paid  in  case  of  the  death  of  a 
member  in  good  standing  as  a  funeral  benefit.  This 
benefit  is  by  no  means  uniform ;  each  Lodge  for  itself 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK.  377 

prescribes  the  amount  payable,  subject  not  unfrequently 
to  the  State  general  law,  which  fixes  a  minimum  rate. 
This  benefit  ranges  from  thirty  dollars  to  five  hundred 
or  more;  some  Lodges  impose  a  special  tax  upon  each 
member  of  twenty-five  or  fifty  cents,  or  one  dollar,  as  a 
funeral  benefit;  in  which  cases,  when  the  membership  is 
large,  as  it  usually  is  in  cities,  the  benefit  is  correspond- 
ingly liberal.  This  fund  is  paid  to  the  widow,  if  any; 
if  not,  to  the  nearest  of  kin  of  the  deceased.  The  edu- 
cation of  the  orphaned  children  is  also  enjoined,  and  is 
faithfully  carried  out.  Although  the  by-laws  form  a 
contract  between  the  Lodge  and  its  members,  the  parties 
are  each  also  subject  in  their  relations  to  all  the  laws  of 
the  Order;  and,  in  the  construction  and  enforcement  of 
this  contract,  each  must  conform  to  all  the  duties  and 
injunctions  prescribed  by  the  laws  at  large ;  each  must 
seek  redress  for  grievance  before  the  appointed  tribunals 
of  the  Order,  according  to  the  forms  prescribed,  and 
these  must  be  exhausted  before  the  courts  will  intervene, 
if  at  all;  and  should  jurisdiction  be  entertained  of  such 
grievances  by  the  courts,  it  is  believed  that  it  would 
only  be  exercised  to  constrain  the  tribunals  of  the  Order 
to  a  faithful  administration  of  its  laws. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

The  general  qualification  for  membership  is  prescribed 
in  the  following  words:  "No  person  shall  be  entitled  to 
admission  to  the  Order  except  free  white  males  of  good 
moral  character,  who  have  arrived  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
one  years,  and  who  believe  in  a  Supreme  Being,  the 
creator  and  preserver  of  the  universe."  To  this  general 
qualification  there  are  two  special  and  important  addi- 
tions —  first,  health  of  body  and  mind ;  second,  limita- 
tion as  to  age.  The  propriety  and  absolute  necessity 
of  these  provisions  will  be  apparent  to  every  considerate 
32* 


378  THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 

iniud,  as  a  preventive  of  the  great  inequality  and  injus- 
tice which  would  otherwise  result  in  the  distribution  of 
benefits.  Every  applicant  for  membership  must  there- 
fore candidly  disclose  his  sanitary  condition,  for,  if  con- 
cealment should  be  practised,  it  will  not  only  vitiate  the 
contract  between  him  and  the  Lodge,  but,  what  is  more 
serious  and  important  to  the  initiate,  it  will  subject  him 
to  arraignment,  trial,  and  expulsion,  and  consequent 
disgrace.  Fidelity  on  the  part  of  the  membership,  not 
only  to  the  laws  and  obligations  of  the  Order,  but  to 
the  laws  of  God,  to  the  laws  of  the  land,  and  to  all  the 
duties  of  citizenship,  is  strictly  enjoined;  good  faith 
towards  each  other,  and  fair  dealing  with  their  fellow- 
men,  are  firmly  yet  fraternally  enforced,  and  love  for 
truth  and  honor,  as  cardinal  virtues,  is  earnestly  com- 
mended. This  is  Odd-Fellowship. 


A  LEXICON 


OF  PROPER  NAMES  IN  THE  OLD  AND  NEW  TESTAMENTS, 

WITH  THEIR  CORRECT  PRONUNCIATION  AND 

LEADING  SIGNIFICATION. 


In  words  whose  pronunciation  cannot  be  mistaken,  such  as  Abba,  Bamah, 
Caleb,  Ebed,  &c.,  the  accentuation  only  is  marked ;  but  where  it  is  difficult  or  doubt- 
ful, the  correct  pronunciation,  spelled  in  italics,  follows  the  word.  Where  words 
have  various  significations  according  to  their  juxtaposition  in  the  original,  the 
most  obvious  has  been  used,  whether  simple  or  metaphorical :  this  is  deemed  pre- 
ferable, as  better  adapted  to  the  purpose  for  which  the  selection  is  intended,  as 
well  as  to  bring  it  within  the  limits  of  the  "  Text-Book." 


AARON,  Ay'ron,  lofty,  mountain- 
ous. 

Abad'don,  the  destroyer. 
Abagtha,  Ab-ag'-tha,  father  of  the 

wine-press. 

Abana,  Ab-ny'-naJi,  stony. 
Abarim,  Ab'-a-rim,  passages. 
Ab'aron,  strength. 
Ab'ba,  father. 
Ab'da,  a  servant. 
Ab'di,  my  servant. 
Abdiel,  Al>' -de-el,  a  servant  of  God. 
Ab'don,  a  servant. 
Abed-nego,  A-bed'-ne-go,  a  servant 

of  light. 

A'bel,  vanity,  vapor,  mourning. 
Abel-beth-maachah,    Ay' -bel-beth- 

ma-ay'-kah,    mourning    of    the 

house  of  Maachah. 
A'bel-ma'im,  the  mourning  of  the 

waters. 
Abel-meholah,    Ay'-bel-me-ho'-lnh, 

mourning  of  weakness,of  sickness. 
Abel-mizraim,    Ay'-bel-miz-ra'-im, 

the  mourning  of  the  Egyptians. 
A'bel-shit'tim,   mourning    of    the 

thorns. 

A'bez,  an  egg,  muddy. 
Abi,  A'-be,  my  father. 
Abiah,  Ab-i'-ah,  the  Lord  is  my 

father. 
Atii'ahil,    the    father   of    light   or 

praife. 


Abi-albon,  Ab-e-al'-bon,  intelligent 
father. 

Ab'iam,  the  father  of  the  sea. 

Abi-as'aph,  a  gathering  or  consum- 
ing father. 

Abiathar,  Ab-i' -a-thar,  excellent 
father. 

A'bib,  green  fruits,  ears  of  corn. 

Abi'dah,  father  of  knowledge. 

Abi'dan,  father  of  judgment. 

Abiel,  Ab'-e-el,  God  my  father. 

Abiezer,  Ab-e-e'-zer,  father  of  help. 

Abi-ezrite,  Ab-e-ez' -rite. 

Abigail,  AV-e-gal,  the  joy  of  the 
father. 

Abi-gib'eon,  the  father  of  the  cup, 
father  of  Gibeon. 

Abihail,  Ab-e-hay'-il,  the  father  of 
strength. 

Abi'hu,  he  is  my  father,or  his  father. 

Abi'hud,  the  father  of  praise  or  con- 
fession. 

Abijah,  Ab-i'-jah,  the  will  of  the 
Lord. 

Abi'jam,  father  of  the  sea. 

Abilene,  Ab-e-le'-ne,  the  father  of 
the  apartment,  or  of  mourning. 

Abimael,  Ab-be-may'-el,  a  father 
sent  from  God,  my  father  conies 
from  God. 

Abimelech,  Ab-im' -me-lek,  father 
of  the  king. 

Abinadab,  Ab-in'-na-dab,  father  of 

0(  J 


380 


THE    ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK. 


willingness,    my     father    is    a 
prince. 

Abinoam,  Ab-in' -no-am,  father  of 
beauty  or  comeliness,  my  father 
is  beautiful. 
Abiram,  Ab-i'-ram,  a  high  father, 

father  of  fraud. 

Abishag,  Ab'-be-shag,  ignorance  of 
the  father. 

Abishai,  Ab-bish'-a-i,  the  present 
of  my  father,  the  father  of  the 
sacrifice. 

Abishalom,  Ab-bish'-a-lom,  the  fa- 
ther of  peace,  the  recompense  of 
the  father. 

Abishua,  A  b-bi»h' -u-a,  father  of  sal- 
vation or  of  magnificence. 

Abishur,  Ab'-be-shur,  the  father  of 
the  wall  or  of  uprightness. 

Abital,  Ab'-be-tal,  the  father  of  the 
dew. 

Abitub,  Ab'-be-tub,  father  of  good- 
ness. 

Abiud,  Ab'-be-ud,  father  of  praise. 

Ab'ner,  father  of  light,  the  son  of 
the  father. 

A'braham,  the  father  of  a  great 
multitude. 

A'bram,  a  high  father,  the  father 
of  eleration. 

Ab'salom,  father  of  peace. 

Accad,^! k'-kad,  a  pitcher,  a  sparkle. 

Accho,  Ak'-ko,  a  close,  pressed  to- 
gether. 

Aceldama,  A-kel' -da-mah,  the  field 
of  blood. 

Achaia,  A-kay'-yah,  grief,  trouble. 

Achaicus,  A-kay'-e-kus,  a  native  of 
Achaia. 

Achan,  Achar,  A'-kan,  A'-kar,  he 
that  troubles  or  bruises. 

Ach^or,  Ak'-bor,  a  rot,  bruising. 

Achim,  A'-kim,  preparing,  confirm- 
ing, revenging. 

Achir,  A'-ker,  the  brother's  light. 

Achish,  A'-kish,  thus  it  is,  how  is 
this? 

Achmetha,  Ak'-me-thah. 

Achor,  A'-kor,  trouble. 

Achsah,  Ak'-sah,  adorned,  bursting 
of  the  veil. 

Achshafh,  Akf-shaph,po\so'D,tTic^s, 
one  that  breaks,  the  brim  of  any 
thing. 

Achzib,  Ak'-zib,  liar,  one  that  runs. 


Adadah,  Ad'-a-daJi,  the  testimony 

of  the  assembly. 
Adah,  Ay'-dah,  an  assembly. 
Adaiah,  Ad'-a-yah,  the  witness  of 

the  Lord. 
Adaliah,    Ad-a-ly'-ah,     one     that 

draws     water,     poverty,    cloud, 

death. 
Ad'am,  earthy,  taken    out  of  red 

earth. 

Adamah,  Ad'-da-mah,  red  earth. 
Adami,  Ad'-da-my,  my  man,  red, 

earthy. 

A'dar,  high,  eminent. 
Adbeel,  Ad'-be-el,  a  vapor,  a  cloud 

of  God,  a  vexer  of  God. 
Ad'di,  my  witness,  adorned,  pass- 
age, prey. 

Ad'don,  basis,  foundation,  the  Lord. 
Adiel,  Ad'-i-el,  the  witness  of  the 

Lord. 

Adin,  Ad' -din,  adorned,  dainty. 
Adithaim,    Ad-e-thay' '-im,    assem- 
blies, testimonies. 
Adlai,  Ad-lay'-i,  my  witness,  my 

ornament. 

Ad'mah,  earthy,  red  earth, 
Admatha,  Ad'-ma-thah,  a  cloud  of 

death,  a  mortal  vapor 
Ad'nah,  rest,  testimony,  eternal. 
Adona'i,  my  Lord. 
Adoni-bezek,  Ad'-o-ne-bee'-zek,  the 

lightning  of  the  Lord,  the  Lord 

of  Bezek. 
Adonijah,  Ad-o-ny'-jah,  the  Lord  is 

my  master. 
Adonikam,  Ad-o-ny'-kam,  the  Lord 

is  raised,  my  Lord  hath  raised 

me. 
Adoniram,  Ad-o-ny'-ram,  my  Lord 

is  most  high,  the  Lord  of  might 

and  elevation. 

Adoni-zedek,  Ad'-o-ne-zee'-dek,  jus- 
tice of  the  Lord, 
Adoraim,  Ad'-o-ray'-im,  strength  or 

power  of  the  sea. 
Adoram,  Ad'-o-ram,  their  beauty, 

their  power,  their  praise. 
Adrammelech,  Ad-ram' -me-lek,  the 

cloak  or  glory  of  the  king. 
Adramyttium,  Ad-ra-mit' -te-wn,  the 

court  of  death. 
AdTia,,Ay'-dre-ah,ih^  name  of  a  city, 

which  gives  name  to  tne  Adriatic 

sea,  now  the  gulf  of  Venice. 


TEE    ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK. 


A'dricl,  the  flock  of  God. 

Adullaui,  Ad-ul  -lam,  their  testi- 
mony, their  prey,  their  ornament. 

Adum'mim,  earthly  or  bloody 
things. 

.35ne'as,  praised. 

Agabus,  Afj'-r/a-bns,  a  locust,  the 
feast  of  the  father. 

Agag,  Ay'-yay,  roof,  floor. 

A'gagite,  of  the  race  of  Agag. 

Aga'pae,  love-feasts. 

Agar.     See  Hagar. 

Agi'e,  a  valley,  deepness. 

Agrippa,  A-grip'-pdh,  one  who  at 
his  birth  causes  great  pain. 

A'gur,  a  stranger,  gathering. 

A'hab,  the  brother  of  the  father. 

Aha'rah,  a  sweet  brother,  an  odori- 
ferous meadow. 

Ahar'hel,  anotherhost,  another  sor- 
row, the  sleep  of  the  brother. 

Ahasba'i,  trusting  in  me,  brother 
compassing.  In  Syriac,  a  brother 
of  age. 

Ahasuerus,  A-kas-u-e'-rus,  prince, 
chief. 

Ahava,  A-hay'-vah,  essence,  gene- 
ration. 

A'haz,  one  that  takes  and  possesses. 

Ahaziah,  A-ha-zy'-ah,  possession, 
vision  of  the  Lord. 

A'hi,  my  brother,  my  brethren. 

Ahiah,  A-hy'-ah,  brother  of  the 
Lord. 

Ahiam,  A-hy'-am.  brother  of  the 
mother,  brother  of  the  nation. 

Ahian,  A-hy'-an,  brother  of  wine. 

Ahie'zer,  brother  of  assistance. 

Ahi'hud,  a  brother  of  vanity,  a  bro- 
ther of  praise. 

Ahijah,  the  same  as  Ahiah. 

Ahikam,  A-hy'-kam,  a  brother  that 
raises  up. 

Ahi'lud,  a  brother  born. 

Ahim'aaz,  brother  of  the  council. 

Ahi'man,  a  brother  prepared. 

Ahimelech,  A-him' -me-lek,  my  bro- 
ther is  a  king. 

Ahimoth,  A' -he-moth,  brother  of 
death. 

Ahin'adab,  a  willing  brother,  a 
brother  of  a  vow,  brother  of  the 
prince. 

Ahinoam,  A-hin' -no-am,  the  beauty 
and  comeliness  of  the  brother. 


Ahi'o,  his  brother,  his  brethren. 

Ahio.     See  Achio. 

Ahira,  A-hy'-rah,  brother  of  ini- 
quity or  of  the  shepherd. 

Ahiram,  A-hy'-ram,  brotherof  craft, 
protection. 

Ahisamach,  A-hw' -sa-mak,  brother 
of  strength  or  of  support. 

Ahishabar,  A-his'-sa-bar,  brother 
of  the  morning  or  dew,  brother 
of  blackness. 

Ahi'shar,  brother  of  a  prince. 

Ahithophel,  A-hit'-to-fel,  brother  of 
ruin  or  folly. 

Ahi'tub,  brother  of  goodness. 

Ah'lab,  which  is  of  milk,  is  fat. 

Ah'lai,  beseeching,  sorrowing,  be- 
ginning, brother  to  me. 

Aho'ah,  a  thistle,  a  thorn,  a  fish- 
hook, brotherhood. 

Aho'hi,  a  living  brother,  my  thistle 
or  thorn. 

Aho'lah,  his  tabernacle,  his  tent. 

Aholiab,  A-ho'-le-ab,  the  tent  or 
tabernacle  of  the  father. 

Aholibah,  A-ho' -le-bah,  my  tent  and 
my  tabernacle  in  her. 

Aholibamah,  A-ho'-le-bay-mah,  my 
tabernacle  is  exalted. 

Ahran.     See  Charan. 

Ahu'mah,  a  meadow  of  waters, 
brother  of  waters. 

Ahu'zam,  their  taking  possession, 
vision. 

Ahuz'zah,po?session,  apprehension, 
vision. 

Ai,  or  Hai,  Ay'i,  mass,  heap. 

Ai'ah,  a  raven,  a  vulture,  alas, 
where  is  it? 

Ai'ath,  a  hour. 

A'in,  an  eye,  a  fountain. 

Aioth,  the  game  as  Ai. 

Aja\Q-n,Ad'-ja-lon,a,  chain,  strength, 


Ak'kub,  the  print  of  the  foot  where 

any  creature  hath  gone,  supplant- 

ation. 
Alammelech,  Al-am' -me-lek,  God  i» 

king. 

Al'cimus,  strong,  of  strength. 
Al'emeth,  a  hiding,  youth,  worlds, 

upon  the  dead. 
Al'emis,  strength. 
Alexan'der,  one  that  assists  men, 

one  that  turns  away  evil. 


382 


THE    ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK. 


Alexandria,    Al-er-an'-d>-e-a,    the 

city  of  Alexander. 
Alleluia,  Al-le-lu' -yah,   praise   the 

Lord. 

A'lian,  high. 
Al'lon,  an  oak. 
Allon-bachuth,     Al'-toii-bak'-kuth, 

the  oak  of  weeping. 
Almo'dad,  measure  of  God. 
Al'mon,  hidden. 
Al'mon-dib'lathaim,    a    hiding,    a 

heap  of  fig-trees. 
Alpha,  Al'-fah,  the  first  letter  of  the 

Greek  alphabet,  marked  A. 
Alpheus,    Al-fe'-ui,    a     thousand, 

chief. 
A'inad,  a  people  of  witness,  people 

everlasting. 
Am'alek,  a  people  that  licks  up  or 

uses  ill. 
Amal'ekites,  people  descended  from 

Amalek. 

A'mam,mother,  fear  of  them,  people. 
Amana,  Am-ay'-iiah,  integrity  and 

truth. 
Amariah,    Am-a-ry'-ah,    the    Lord 

says,     the     excellency     of    the 

Lord. 
Amasa,    Aj>i-ay'-sah,    a    forgiving 

people,  the  burden  of  the  people. 
Amaziah,  Am-a-zy'-ah,  the  strength 

of  the  Lord. 
A'mi.     See  Amam. 
Am'rnah,  my  people. 
Ammi,  the  tame  as  Ammah. 
Ammihud,  Am'-me-hud,  people  of 

praise. 
Amminadab,  Am-min'-na-dab, 

prince  of  the   people,  a   people 

that  vows. 
Ammishaddai,  Am'-me-gJiad'-day-i, 

the  people  of  the  Almighty. 
Arn'mon,  the  son  of  my  people. 
Am'monites,    a   people    descended 

from  Benainmi,  son  of  Lot. 
Am'non,  faithful  and  true,  foster- 
father. 

Amon,  Ay' man,  faithful,  true. 
Am'orite,  bitter,  a  rebel,  a  babbler. 
Amos,  Ay'-mos,  loading,  weighty. 
Amoz,  Ay'-moz,  strong,  robust. 
Amphipolis,    Am-Jip' -po-lis,  a  city 

encompassed  by  the  sea. 
Amplias,  Am'-ple-as,  large,  exten- 
sive. 


Am'ram,  an  exalted  people,  b;itvl 
fuls  of  corn. 

Amraphel,  Am'-ra-fef,  one  that 
speaks  of  hidden  things  or  of 
ruin. 

Am'zi,  strong,  mighty. 

A'nab,  a  grape,  a  knot. 

Anah,  Ay'-nah,  one  who  answers  or 
sings,  poor,  afflicted. 

Anak,  Ay'-nak,  a  collar,  an  orna- 
ment. 

Anakims,  An'-ak-im«.     See  Anak. 

Anammelech,  An-am'-me-lek,  an- 
swer, song  of  the  king. 

A'nan,  a  cloud,  a  prophecy. 

Ananias,  An-a-tiy'-ag,  the  cloud  of 
the  Lord. 

Anathoth,  An'-a-thoth,  answer, 
affliction. 

Andrew,  An'-drne,  a  stout  and 
strong  man. 

Avdr»n'\cus,An-d:-on'-ne-ku8,  a  man 
excelling  others. 

Aner,  Ay'-ner,  answer,  strong,  af- 
fliction. 
*An'na,  gracious,  merciful. 

An'nas,  one  that  answers,  that 
afflicts. 

An'tichrist.  an  adversary  to  Christ. 

Antioch,  An'-te-ok,  instead  of  a 
chariot. 

An'tipas,  against  all. 

Antipatris,  An-te-pay'-tris,  against 
his  own  father. 

Apelles,  A-pel'-lees,  to  exclude,  to 
separate. 

Aphek,  Ay'-fek,  a  stream,  vigor. 

Apollonia,  Ap-po-lo' -ne-ah,  perdi- 
tion. 

Apol'los,  one  that  destroys  and  lays 
waste. 

Apollyon,  A-pol'-le-on,  one  that  ex- 
terminates or  destroys. 

Apphia,  Af'-e-ah,  that  is  fruitful. 

Appii-forum,  Ap'-pe-i-fo'-rum,  a 
town  so  called  from  Appius  Clau- 
dius, whose  statue  was  erected 
there. 

Aquila,  Ak' -ice-lah,  an  eagle. 

Ar,  awakening,  uncovering. 

Ara'bia,  evening,  a  place  wild  and 
desert;  mixtures,  because  this 
country  was  inhabited  by  different 
kinds  of  people. 

Ara'bian,  an  inhabitant  of  Arabia. 


THE    ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK 


383 


A'rad,  a  wild  ass,  a  dragon. 

A' rain,  magnificence,  one  that  de- 
ceives. 

Ararat,  Ar'-ra-rat,  the  curse  of 
trembling. 

Araunah,  A-raw'-nah,  ark,  song, 
curse. 

Ar'ba,  the  city  of  the  four. 

Archelaus,  Ar-ke'-lay-ns,  the  prince 
of  the  people. 

Archippus,  Ar-kip'-pim,  governor 
of  horses. 

Arcturus,  Ark-tew'-rns,  a  gathering 
together. 

Ard,  one  that  commands. 

Areli,  Ar-e'-lie,  the  light  or  vision 
of  God. 

Areopagite,  A-re-op'-a-gyte,  belong- 
ing to  the  council  culled  Areo- 
pagus. 

Areopagus,  A-re^-op'-a-gns,  the  hill 
of  Mars ;  a  place  where  the  magis- 
trates of  Athens  held  their  su- 
preme council. 

Aretas,  A-re'-tas,  one  that  is  agree- 
able or  virtuous. 

Ar'gob,  a  turf  of  earth,  curse  of  the 
well. 

Ariel,  Ay'-re-el,  the  altar,  light, 
lion  of  God. 

Arimathea,  Ar-re-ma-the'-ah,  a  lion 
dead  to  the  Lord.  Ramath,or  Ra- 
mah,  a  city  where  Samuel  dwelt. 

Arioch,  Ar'-e-ok,  long,  your  drunk- 
enness, your  lion. 

Aristarchus,  A-ris-tar' -kits,  the  best 
prince. 

Aristobulus,A-ris-<o&'-&M-Z«s,agood 
counsellor. 

Armageddon,  Ar-ma-ged' -don,  the 
mountain  of  Megiddo,  or  the 
gospel,  of  fruits. 

Armenia,  Ar-me'-ne-ah,  a  province 
which  is  supposed  to  take  its  name 
from  Aram. 

Ar'non,  rejoicing,  their  ark. 

Ar'oer,  heath,  tamarisk,  the  naked- 
ness of  the  skin  or  of  the  enemy. 

Ar'pad,  the  light  of  redemption, 
that  lies  down. 

Arphaxad,  Ar-faks'-ad,  one  that 
heals  or  releases. 

Artaxerxes,  Ar-taks-erks' -en,  in 
Hebrew,  Artachtaitta,  the  silence 
of  light. 


Artemas,  Ar'-te-man,  whole,  sound. 

Asa,  Ay'-sah,  physician,  cure. 

Asahel,  As'-a-el,  the  work  or  crea- 
ture of  God. 

Asaiah,  As'-a-i-ah,  the  Lord  hath 
wrought. 

Asaph,  Ay'-saf,  one  that  assembles 
together. 

Asenath,  As'-e-nath,  peril,  misfor- 
tune. 

A'shan,  vapor,  smoke. 

Ash'dod,  inclination,  a  wild  open 
place. 

Ash'er,  blessedness. 

Ash'iel,  the  work  of  God. 

Ashiina,  Anh'-e-mah,  crime,  posi- 
tion, fire  of  the  sea. 

Ashkenaz,  Ash' '-ke-naz,  a  fire  that 
distils  or  spreads. 

Ashtaroth,  Ash'-ta-roth,  rocks, 
riches. 

Ash'ur,  one  that  is  happy. 

Ash'vath,  making  vestments. 

Asia,  Ay'-ehe-a,  muddy,  boggy. 

As'kelon.  weight,  balance,  fire  of 
infamy. 

Asnap'per,  unhappiness,  fruitless. 

As'sir,  prisoner,  fettered. 

As'sos,  approaching. 

Assyria,  As-sir'-re-a. 

Assyrian,  As-air' -re-an. 

Asyncritus,  A-sin'-kre-tus,  incom- 
parable. 

A'tad,  a  thorn. 

Ata'roth,  crowns,  counsel  of  making 
full. 

Athaliah,  Ath-a-ly'-ah,  the  time  of 
the  Lord. 

Athenians,  Ath-ee' -ne-ans,  inhabit- 
ants of  Athens. 

Ath'ens,  so  called  from  Athene, 
Minerva. 

Attalia,  At-ta-ly' -ah,  that  increases 
or  sends. 

Augus'tus,  increased,  majestic. 

A'ven,  iniquity,  force,  riches. 

Azariah,  Az-a-ry'-ah,  assistance,  h« 
that  hears  the  Lord. 

Azekah,  Az-ee'-kah,  strength  of 
walls. 

Az'gad,  a  strong  army,  a  gang  of 
robbers. 

Aznoth-tabor,.Az'-no<&-<ay'-&o»',  the 
ears  of  Tabor,  of  choice,  purity, 
contrition. 


384 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS  TEXT-BOOK. 


Azo'tus,  the  same  as  Ashdod. 
A'zur,  he  that  assists,  is  assisted. 

Baal,  Bny'-al,  he  that  rules  and 
subdues. 

Baalah,  Bay'-al-ah,  her  idol,  a 
spouse;  the  name  of  a  city. 

Baal-berith,  Bay'-al-be'-rith,  idol 
of  the  covenant. 

Baal-gad,  Bay'-al-gad",  the  idol  of 
the  troop,  the  Lord  is  master  of 
the  troop. 

Baal-hamon,  Bay' -al-hay' -mon,  one 
that  rules  a  multitude,  a  populous 
place. 

Baal-hazer,  Bay' -al-hay' -zer,  lord 
of  court,  a  possessor  of  grace. 

Ba'al-her'mon,  the  possessor,  or  de- 
struction of  a  thing  devoted  to 
God. 

Ba'ali,  my  idol,  or  master. 

Ba'alim,  idols,  masters. 

Ba'alis,  a  rejoicing,  proud  lord. 

Baal-meon,Z?«_y'-a£-fMe'-oH,the  idol, 
the  master  of  the  house. 

Baal-peor,  Bay'-al-pe'-or,  master  of 
the  opening. 

Baal-perazitn,  Bay'-al-per'-a-zim, 
master,  or  god  of  divisions. 

'Bn;\l-sbii\\sha.,Bay'-al-ghal'-e-shah, 
the  third  idol,  the  third  husband. 

Baal-tamar,  Bay'-al-tay'-mar,  mas- 
ter of  the  palm-tree. 

Baal-zebub,  Bay'-al-ze'-bub,  the 
^master  of  flies. 

Baal-zephon,  Bay' -al-ze' -fon,  the 
idol  of  the  north,  secret. 

Baanah,  Bay'-a-nah,  in  the  answer, 
in  affliction. 

Baa'rah,  a  flame,  purging. 

Baashah,  Ba-ay'-shah,  in  the  work 
he  that  demands,  who  lays  waste. 

Ba'bel,  confusion,  mixture. 

Babylon,  Bab'-be-lon.     See  Babel. 

Babylonians,  Bab-be-lo' '-ne-ant. 

Babylonish,  Bab-be-lo' -nish. 

Baca,  Bny'-kah,  mulberry -tree. 

Bahurim,  Ba-hew'-rim,  choice,  war- 
like. 

Ba'jith,  a  house. 

Balaam,  Bay'-lam,  the  old  age  or 
ancient  of  the  people,  without 
the  people. 

Bala'dan,  one  without  rule  or  judg- 
ment, ancient  in  judgment. 


Ba'lak,  who  lays  waste,  who  laps 

Ba'mah,  an  eminence. 

Barabbas,  Bar-ab'-bas,  son  of  the 

father,  or  of  confusion. 
Barachel,  Bar'-a-kel,  who   blesses 

God. 
Barachias,  Bar-a-ky'-a»,  the  same 

as  Barachel. 

Ba'rak.  thunder,  in  vain. 
Bar-je'sus,  son  of  Jesus. 
Bar-jo'na,  son  of  Jona  or  of  a  dove. 
Bar'nabas,  the  son  of  the  prophet 

or  of  consolation. 
Bar'sabas,  son  of  return,  of  rest, 

of  swearing. 
Bartholomew,  a  son  that  suspends 

the  waters. 
Bartimeus,  Bar-te-me'-us,  the   son 

of  Timeus  or  of  the  honorable. 
Baruch,  Bay'-ruk,  who  is  blessed, 

who  bends  the  knee. 
Barzillai,    Bar-zil'-  la-i,    made    of 

iron,  son  of  contempt. 
Ba'shan,  in  the  tooth,  in  the  change 

or  sleep. 
Bashemath,Z?asA'-e-niatA,  perfumed, 

in  desolation. 
Bath-sheba,/?«M-»fce'-6r<*,or  Bath'- 

she-bah,  the  seventh  daughter,  the 

daughter  of  an  oath. 
Bathshu'a,  the  daughter  of  salva- 
tion. 

Be'dad,  alone,  in  friendship. 
Be'dan,  only,  in  the  judgment. 
Beel-zebub,    Be-el'-ze-bub.         See 

Baal-zebub. 
Beer,  Be'-er,  a  well,  the  name  of  a 

city. 
Beer-lahai-roi,  Be'-er-la-ltay'-e-roy, 

the  well  of  him  that  liveth  and 

seeth  me. 
Beer-sheba,     Be'-er-aJie'-bah,     the 

well  of  an  oath,  of  satiety,  the 

seventh  well. 
Be'kah,  half  a  shekel. 
Bel,  ancient,    nothing,    subject   to 

change. 

Belial,  Bee'-le-al,  wicked,  the  devil. 
Belshaz'zar,  master  of  the  treasure. 
Belteshaz'zar,  who  lays  up  treasures 

in  secret,  secretly  endures  pain 

and  pressure. 
Benaiah,  Ben-ay' -yah,  son  of  the 

Lord,  the  Lord's  building. 
Ben-am'mi,  the  son  of  my  people. 


THE    ODD-FELLOWS'    TEXT-BOOK. 


385 


Benha'dad,  the  son  of  Hadad,  of 

noise. 
Ben'jamin,   the   son   of  the   right 

hand. 
Ben'jamite,  a  descendant  of  Ben- 

jamin. 

Benoni,  Ben-o'-ny,  son  of  my  grief. 
Be'or,  burning,  mad,  beast. 
Berachah,  Ber'-a-kah,  blessing. 
BeraBa,  Be-ree'-ah,  heavy. 
Be'rith,  covenant. 
Bernice,  Ber-ny'-se,  one  that  brings 

victory. 

Be'sor,  glad  news,  incarnation. 
Be'tah,  confidence. 
Bethabara,     Beth-ab'-ba-rah,     the 

house  of  passage,  of  anger. 
Beth'any,  the  house  of  song,  of  af- 

fliction, of  obedience,  the  grace 

of  the  Lord. 
Beth-a'ven,  the  house  of  vanity,  of 

strength. 
Beth-birei,  Beth-bir'-re-i,  the  house 

of  my  Creator. 
Beth'-car,  the  house  of  the  lamb  of 

knowledge. 
Beth-da'gon,  the  house  of  corn,  of 

the  fish,  of  the  god  Dagon. 
Beth-diblathaim,  Belh-dib-la-thay'- 

im,  the  house  of  dry  figs. 
Beth'el,  the  house  of  God. 
Bethelite,  Beth'  -el-ite,  an  inhabitant 

of  Bethel. 
Be'ther,  division,  in  the  turtle,  in 

the  trial. 
Bethes'da,  the  house  of  effusion,  of 

pity. 

Beth-e'zel,  a  neighbor's  house. 
Beth-gamul,     Beth'  -gay-mul,      the 

house    of    recompense,    of    the 

weaned,  of  the  camel. 
Beth-haccerem,    Beth-hak'-ke-rem, 

the  house  of  the  vineyard. 
Beth-ho'ron,  the  house  of  wrath,  of 

the  hole,  of  liberty. 
Beth-jesh'imoth,  the  house  of  deso- 

lation. 
Beth'-lehem,  the  house  of  bread,  of 


e-eem-epraa,e-e-em- 
ejf-ray'-tah,  or  eff'-ra-tah. 

Beth-Iehem-ju'dah. 

Beth'  -lehemite,  an  inhabitant  of 
Bethlehem. 

Beth-pe'or,  the  house  of  gaping. 


Bethphage,  Beth' -fa-je,  the  house 
of  the  mouth,  of  early  figs. 

Bethsaida,  Beth-sny'-dah,  the  hous'! 
of  fruits  of  hunters. 

Beth'-shan,  the  house  of  the  tooth, 
of  change,  of  sleep. 

Beth-she'rnesh,  the  house  of  the  sun. 

Bethuel,  Beth-ew'-el,  filiation  of 
God. 

Beulah,  Beic'-lah,  married. 

Bezaleel,/?ez-a-£ee'-e£,in  the  shadow 
of  God. 

Be'zek,  lightning,  in  chains. 

Bichri,  Bick'-ry,  first-born,  in  tha 
ram. 

Bid'kar,  in  compunction,  in  sharp 
pain. 

Big'than,  giving  meat. 

Bil'dad,  old  friendship. 

Bil'hah,  who  is  old,  troubled,  con- 
fused. 

Bir'sha,  in  evil,  son  that  beholds. 

Bithiah,  Be-thy'-ah,  daughter  of  the 
Lord. 

Bith'ron,  division,  in  his  examina- 
tion, daughter  of  the  song,  of 
anger,  of  liberty. 

Bithynia,  Tie-thin' -e-ah,  violent  pre- 
cipitation. 

Blas'tus,  one  that  sprouts  and  brings 
forth. 

Boanerges,  Bo-n-ner'-jes,  the  sons 
of  thunder;  James  and  John,  the 
sons  of  Zebedee. 

Bo'az,  or  Bo'oz,  in  strength,  in  the 
goat. 

Bochim,  Bo'-kim,the  place  of  weep- 
ing, of  mulberry-trees. 

Bo'zez,  mud,  in  the  flower. 

Boz'rah,  in  tribulation  or  distress. 

Bui,  changeable,  perishing. 

Buz,  despised,  plundered. 

Buzi,  Bew'-zye,  my  contempt. 

Buz'ite,  a  descendant  from  Buz. 

Cabul,  Kay'-bul,  displeasing,  dirt. 
Caesar,  See'-sar,  one  cut  out. 
Csesarea,  Ses-a-ree'-a,  a   bush    of 

hair. 

Caiaphas,  Kay'-a-fas,  a  searcher. 
Cain,  Kay'-n,  possession. 
Cainan,   Kay'-nan,   possessor,   one 

that  laments. 
Ca'Iah,  good   opportunity,  as   the 

verdure. 


33 


386 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS  TEXT-BOOK. 


Ca'leb,  a  dog,  a  crow,  a  basket. 

Caleb-ephratah,  Kay' -leb-ef-ray' - 
tah,  or  e/'-ra-tah,  a  place  so  called 
by  a  conjunction  of  the  names  of 
Caleb  and  his  wife  Ephratah. 

Calneh,  Kal'-nay,  our  consumma- 
tion, all  we,  as  murmuring. 

Cnl'no,  our  consummation,  quite 
himself. 

Cal'vary,  the  place  of  a  skull. 

Ca'mon,  his  resurrection. 

Ca'na,  zeal,  possession,  nest,  cane. 

Canaan,  Kay'-nan,  a  merchant,  a 
trader.  The  son  of  Ham,  who 
gave  name  to  the  land  of  Canaan. 

Canaanite,  Kay'-nan-ite,  an  inhab- 
itant of  Canaan. 

Candace,.Kan-ctay'-g«, who  possesses 
contrition. 

Capernaum,.S*a-per'->»a-uni,the  field 
of  repentance,  city  of  comfort. 

Caphtor,  Kaf'-tor,  a  sphere,  a 
buckle,  a  hand,  doves,  those  that 
seek  and  inquire. 

Cappadocia,  Kap-pa-do' -she-a,  in 
Hebrew,  Caphtor. 

Carcas,  Kar'-kas,  the  covering  of  a 
lamb. 

Carchemish,  Kar'  ke-mish,  a  lamb, 
as  taken  away. 

Car'mel,  a  circumcised  lamb,  har- 
vest, vineyard  ol  God. 

Carmelite.  Kar' -me  lyte,  an  inhabit- 
ant of  Mount  Carinel. 

Car'mi,  my  vineyard,  the  knowledge 
of  the  lamb  of  the  waters. 

Car'pus,  fruit,  fruitful. 

Casiphia,  Ka-ee-fy'-a,  money,  covet- 
ousness. 

Cas'tor,  a  beaver. 

Cedron,  See'-dron,  *>r  Kee'-dron, 
black,  sad. 

Cenchrea,  Senk'-re-a,  millet,  small 
pulse. 

Cephas,  See'-fas,  or  Kee'-fas,  a  rock 
or  stone. 

Ce'sar.     See  Caesar. 

Cesarea,  Ses-a-ree' -a.  See  Caesa- 
rea. 

Chalcol,  Kal'-kol,  who  nourishes, 
sustains  the  whole. 

Chalrlea,  Kal-dee'-a,  as  demons,  as 
robbers. 

Chaldean,  Kal-dee'-an,  an  inhabit- 
ant of  Chaldea. 


Chaldees,  Kal-deez',  the  same  a* 
Chaldeans. 

Charran,  Kar'-ran,  a  singing,  the 
heat  of  wrath. 

Chebar,  Ke'-bar,  strength  or 
power. 

Chedorlaomer,  Ke'-dor-la-o'-mer,  a? 
a  generation  of  servitude. 

Chemarims,  Kem'-a-rims,  the  name1 
of  Baal's  priests. 

Chemosh,  Ke'-mosh,  as  handling,  as 
taking  away. 

Chenania,  Ke-na-ny1 '*ah,  prepara- 
tion, rectitude  of  the  Lord. 

Cherethims,  Ker'-eth-ims,  who  cuts, 
tears  away. 

Cherethites,.Ker'-e^-t<e8.  See  Cher- 
ethims. 

Cherith,  Ke'-rith,  cutting,  piercing, 
slaying. 

Chesed,  Ke'-sed,  as  a  devil,  a  de- 
stroyer. 

Chileab,  Kil'-le-ab,  totality  or  per- 
fection of  the  father. 

Chilion,  Kil'-le-on,  finished,  com- 
plete. 

Chilmad,  Kil'-mad,  as  teaching  or 
learning. 

Chimham,  Kim' -ham,  as  they,  liko 
to  them. 

Chios,  Ky'-os,  open,  opening. 

Chisleu,  Kis'-hi,  rashness,  confi- 
dence. 

Chittim,  CJiit'-tim,  those  that  bruise, 
gold,  staining. 

Chiun,  Ky'-un,  an  Egyptian  god, 
whom  some  think  to  be  Saturn. 

Chloe,  Klo'-e,  green  herb. 

Chorazin,  Ko-ray'-zin,  the  secret, 
here  is  a  mystery. 

Chushan-risbathaiin,  Kew'-than- 
rish-a-thay'-im,  Ethiopian,  black- 
ness of  iniquities. 

Chuza,  Kew'-zaJi,  the  prophet,  Ethi- 
opian. 

Cilicia,  Sil-ish'-e-a,  which  rolls  or 
overturns. 

Clauda,  Klaw'-iinJi,  a  broken  voice, 
a  lamentable  voice. 

Claudia,  Klaw' -de.-ah,  lame. 

Clem'ent,  mild,  good,  merciful. 

Cleophas,  Klee'-o-fus,  the  whole 
glory. 

Colosse,  Ko-los' -see,  punishment, 
correction. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS  TEXT-BOOK. 


387 


Coniah,  Ko-ny'-ah,  the  strength  or 
stability  of  the  Lord. 

Cor'inth,  which  is  satisfied,  beauty. 

Corin'thians,inhabitants  of  Corinth. 

Corne'lius,  a  horn. 

Coz'bi,  a  liar,  as  sliding  away. 

Crescens,  Kree'-sens,  growing,  in- 
creasing. 

Crete,  Kree't,  carnal,  fleshly. 

Cretes,  Kree'ts,  inhabitants  of  Crete. 

Cretians,  Kree' -she-am,  the  same  as 
Cretes. 

Crispus,  Kris'-pus,  curled. 

Cush,  Ethiopian,  black. 

Cush'an,  Ethiopia,  blackness,  heat. 

Cush'i,  the  same  as  Cushan. 

Cyprus,  Sy'-prus,  fair,  fairness. 

Gyrene,  Sy-re'-ne,  a  wall,  coldness, 
meeting,  a  floor. 

Cyreneans,  Sy-re'-ne-ans,  people  of 
Gyrene. 

Cyrenius,<S^-re'-ne-M»,  who  governs. 

Cyrus,  Sy'-rus,  as  miserable,  as 
heir,  the  belly. 

Dabbasheth,  Dab'-ba-sheth,  flowing 

with  honey,  causing  infamy. 
Daberath,/)aZ>'-&e-mi&,  word,  thing, 

bee,  submissive. 
Da'gon,  corn,  a  fish. 
Dalmanutha,  Dai-ma-new' -thah,    a 

bucket,  leanness,  branch. 
Dalmatia,  Dai-may1 -she-a,  deceitful 

lamps,  vain  brightness. 
Damaris,  Dam'-a-ris,  a  little   wo- 
man. 
Damas'cus,  a  sack  full  of  blood,  a 

similitude  of  burning. 
Dan,  judgment,  he  that  judges. 
Dan'iel,  judgment  of  God. 
Da'ra,    generation,    house   of   the 

shepherd,    companion,    race   of 

wickedness. 
Darius,  Da-ry'-us,  he  that  inquires 

and  informs  himself. 
Da'than,  laws,  rites. 
Da'vid,  beloved,  dear. 
Deb'orah,  a  word,  a  bee. 
Decapolis,  De-kap'-po-lis,  a  country 

containing  ten  cities. 
De'dan,   their   breasts,  friendship, 

uncle. 
Dedanim,  Ded'-an-im,  descendants 

of  Dedan. 
Del'ilah,  poor,  head  of  hair,  bucket. 


Dc'mas,  popular. 

Demetrius,  De-me'-tre-us,  belonging 
to  Ceres,  to  corn. 

Der'be,  a  sting. 

Deuel,  De-ew'-el,  the  knowledge  of 
God. 

Diana,  Dy-ay'-nah,  luminous,  per- 
fect. 

Di'bon,  understanding,  abundance 
of  building. 

Di'bon-gad.  abundance  of  sons, 
happy  and  powerful. 

Didymus,  Did'-e-mus,  a  twin. 

Di'mon,  where  it  is  red. 

Di'nah,  judgment,  who  judges. 

Din'habah,  she  gives  judgment. 

Dionysius,  Dy-o-nish'-e-us,  divinely 
touched. 

Diotrephes,Z>i'-o«'-re-/ee*,nourished 
by  Jupiter. 

Do'eg,  who  acts  with  uneasiness,  a 
fisherman. 

Dor,  generation,  habitation. 

Dor'cas,  the  female  of  a  roe-buck. 

Do'than,  the  law,  custom. 

Drusilla,  Drew-sil'-lah,  watered  by 
the  dew. 

Dumah,  Dew'-mah,  silence,  resem- 
blance. 

Dura,  Dew'-rah,  generation,  habi- 
tation. 

Easter,  Ee's-ter,  the passover,  afeast 

of  the  Jews. 
E'bal,  a  heap,    collection    of    old 

age. 

E'bed,  a  servant  or  laborer. 
Ebed-melech,  Ee'-bed-me'-lek,    the 

king's  servant. 
Eben-ezer,  Eb-en-ee'-zer,  the  stone 

of  help. 

E'ber,  one  that  passes,  anger,  wrath. 
Ebiasaph,  E-by'-a-saf,  a  father  that 

gathers  together. 
Ed.  witness. 

E'den,  pleasure,  delight. 
E'dom,  red,  earthy,  red  earth. 
E'domite,  a  descendant  of  Esau,  of 

Edom. 
Edrei,  Ed'-re-i,  a  very  great  mass, 

cloud,  death  of  the  wicked. 
Eg'lah,  heifer,  chariot,  round. 
lEjr\aim,Eg-lay'-im, drops  of  the  sea. 
Eg'lon,  the  same  as  Eglah. 
E'gypt,  in  Hebrew,  Mizraim;  that 


388 


THE   ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK. 


binds  or  straitens,  that  troubles 

or  oppresses. 

Egyp'tian,  an  inhabitant  of  Egypt. 
E'hud,  he  that  praises. 
Ek'ron,  barrenness,  torn  away. 
Efronites,  inhabitants  of  Ekron. 
E'lah,  an  oak,  oath,  an  imprecation. 
E'lam,    a   young    man,   a   virgin, 

secret,  an  age. 

E'lamites,  descendants  of  Elam. 
E'lath,  a  hind,  strength,  an  oak. 
El-beth'el,  the  God  of  Bethel. 
El'dad,  loved  or  favored  of  God. 
Elealeh,  El-e-ay'-leh,  ascension  or 

burnt-offering  of  God. 
Eleazer,  El-e-ay'-zar,  the   help  or 

court  of  God. 
El-elohe-Israel,  El-el-lto'-he-h'-ra,- 

el,  God,  the  God  of  Israel. 
El-ha'nan,  grace,  gift,  or  mercy  of 

God. 

E'li,  E'li,  my  God,  my  God. 
E'li,  the  offering  or  lifting  up. 
Eli'ab,  God  my  father. 
Eliada,  E-ly'-a-da,  or  E-le-ay'-da, 

the  knowledge  of  God. 
Eliakim,  E-ly'-a-kim,  the  resurrec- 
tion of  God,  God  the  avenger. 
Eli'am,  the  people  of  God. 
Eli'as.     See  Elijah. 
Eliashib,  E-ly' -a-shib,  the  God  of 

conversion. 
Eliathah,  E-ly'-a-thah,  thou  art  my 

God,  my  God  comes. 
Eliezer,  E-le-ee'-zer,  help  or  court 

of  my  God. 
Elihoreph,  E-le-ko'-ref,  the  God  of 

winter,  of  youth. 
Eli'hu,  he  is  m'y  God  himself. 
Eli'jah,  God  the  Lord,  the  strong 

Lord. 

Eli'ka,  pelican  of  God. 
E'lim,   the   rams,    the   strong,  the 

stags,  the  valleys. 
Elimelech,  E-lim' -me-lek,  my  God 

is  king. 
Elioenai,  El-e-o' -en-a-i,  toward  him 

are  my  eyes,  my  fountains,  toward 

him  is  my  poverty  or  misery. 
Eliphalet,  E-lif  '-fa-let,  the  God  of 

deliverance, 
Eliphaz,  E-ly' -fax,  the  endeavor  of 

God. 
Elisabeth,  E-liz'-a-leth,  God  hath 

aworn,  the  fulness  of  God. 


Eli'sha,  salvation  of  God. 

Eli'shah,  son  of  Javan;  it  is  God, 
God  that  gives  help. 

Elishama,  E-lish'-a-mah,  God  hear 
ing. 

Elisheba,  E-lish'-e-ba.  See  Elisa- 
beth. 

Elishua,  El-e-thew'-ah,  God  is  my 
salvation. 

Eliud,  E-ly'-ud,  God  is  my  praise. 

Eli'zud,  God  is  my  strength,  my 
rock. 

Elka'nah,  God  the  jealous,  the  reed 
of  God. 

Elmo'dam,  the  God  of  measure,  of 
the  garment. 

Elna'than,  God  has  given. 

E'lon,  oak,  grove,  strong. 

E'lul,  cry,  outcry. 

Eluzai,  E-lu'-za-i,  God  is  my 
strength. 

Elymas,  El'-e-mas,  in  Arabic,  a  ma- 
gician. 

E'mims,  fears  of  terrors,  people. 

Emmaus,  Em-may' -us,OTEin'-ma-u8f 
people,  despised. 

Em'mor,  an  ass. 

E'nam,  a  fountain  or  well,  the  eyes 
of  them. 

En'dor,  fountain  or  eye  of  genera- 
tion. 

Ene'as,  laudable. 

En-eglaim,  En-eg'-lay-im,  the  eye 
of  the  calves,  of  the  chariots,  of 
roundness. 

En-gedi,  En-ge'-dy,  fountain  of  the 
goat,  of  happiness. 

En-mish'pat,  fountain  of  judgment. 

Enoch,  Ee'-nok,  dedicated,  disci- 
plined, well  regulated. 

Enon,  Ee'-non,  cloud,  his  fountain. 

Enos,  Ee'-nos,  fallen  man,  subject 
to  all  kind  of  evil. 

En-rogel,  En-ro'-gel,  the  fuller's 
fountain. 

En-shernesb,  J£n-s/*e'-mes&,  the  foun- 
tain of  the  sun. 

Epaphras,.E/>'-pa-/ra*,  covered  with 
foam. 

Epaphroditus,  E-paf-ro-dy' '-<««,  a- 
greeable,  handsome. 

Epenetus,  E-pe-nee'-tin,  laudable, 
worthy  of  praise. 

Ephah,  Ee'-fah,  weary,  to  fly  as  a 
bird. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


389 


Ephes-dammim,  E' -fez-daw' -mini, 
the  effusion  or  drop  of  blood. 

Ephesians,  E-fee'-ae-ans,  the  people 
of  Ephesus. 

Ephesus,^y -fe-stis,  desirable;  chief 
city  of  Asia  Minor. 

Ephphatha,  Ef'-fa-tha,  be  opened. 

Ephraim,  Ee'-fra-im,  that  brings 
forth  fruit  or  grows. 

E'phraiinite,a  descendant  of  Ephra- 
im. 

Ephratah,  Eff-ray'-tah,  abundance, 
bearing  fruit. 

Ephrath,  Ef-rath.     See  Ephratah. 

'Ephra.lhite,Eff'-rnth-ite,  an  inhabit- 
ant of  Ephratah,  or  a  descendant 
from  Ephraim. 

Ephron,  Ef-fron,  dust. 

Epicureans,  Ep-e-kew'-re-ans,  who 
gives  assistance. 

Er,  watch,  enemy. 

Eras'tus,  lovely,  amiable. 

E'rech,  length,  health. 

Esaias,  E-zay'-e-as.     See  Isaiah. 

Esar-haddon,  E'-sar-had'-don,  that 
binds,  joy,  or  closes  the  point. 

E'aau,  he  that  does  or  finishes. 

E'sek,  contention. 

Esh-ba'al,  the  fire  of  the  idol. 

Esh'col,  a  bunch  of  grapes. 

Eshtaol,  Esh'-ta-ol,  stout,  strong 
woman. 

Eshtemoa,  Esh-te-mo'-a,  which  is 
heard,  the  bosom  of  a  woman. 

Es'li,  near  me,  he  that  separates. 

Es'rom,  the  dart  of  joy,  division  of 
the  song. 

Esther,  Ess'-ter,  secret,  hidden. 

E'tara,  their  bird  or  covering. 

E'tham,  their  strength  or  sign. 

E'than,  strong,  the  gift  of  the  island. 

Ethanim,.£M'-an-i'w,stron<r,valiant. 

Ethbaal,  Eth-bay'-al,  toward  the 
idol,  he  that  rule?. 

E'hiopi-i,  Ee-the-i>'-pe-a,in  Hebrew, 
Gush,  blackness;  in  Greek  it  sig- 
nifies heat. 

Ethiopians,  Ee-the-o'-pe-ans,  Afri- 
cans. 

Eubulus,  Yew'-bu-lus,  a  prudent 
counsellor. 

Eunice,  Yeio-ny'-xe,  good  victory. 

Euodias,  Yew-o'-de-as,  sweet  scent. 

Euphrates,      Yew-fray' -tees,       that 
makes  fruitful. 
33* 


Euroc'lydon,  the  northeast  wind. 

Eutychus,  Yew'-te-kus,  happy,  for- 
tunate. 

Eve,  living,  enlivening. 

Evil-merodach,  Ee'-vil-me-ro'-dak, 
or  mer'-o-dak,  the  fool  of  Mero- 
dach,  despising  the  bitterness  of 
the  fool. 

Ezekiel,  E-see'-ke-el,  the  strength 
of  God. 

E'zel,  going  abroad,  distillation. 

Ezion-Geber,  E'-zc-on-ye'-ber,  the 
wood  of  the  man,  counsel  of  the 
man,  of  the  strong. 

Ez'ra,  a  helper. 

Fe'lix,  happy,  prosperous. 
Fes'tus,  festival,  joyful. 
Fortuna'tus,  happy,  prosperous. 

Gaal,  Oay'-al,  contempt,  abomina- 
tion. 

Gaash,  Gay' -ash,  tempest,  over- 
throw. 

Gabbatha,  Gab'-ba-tha,  high,  ele- 
vated. In  Greek,  lithostrotos, 
paved  with  stones. 

Ga'briel,  God  is  my  strength. 

Gad,  a  band,  happy,  armed  and 
prepared. 

Gadarenes,  Gad-a-ree'tis,  surround- 
ed, walled. 

Gad'di,  my  happiness,  my  troop,  a 
kid. 

Gaddiel,  Gad'-de-el,  goat  of  God, 
the  Lord  is  my  army. 

Gadites,  Gad'-dites,  descendants  of 
Gad. 

Gaius,  Gay'-e-us,  lord,  an  earthly 
man. 

Galatia,  Gal-ay' -she-a,  white,  of  the 
color  of  milk. 

Galatians,  Gal-ay' -she-ans,  born  in 
Galatia. 

Galbanum,  Gal'-ba-num,  a  gum, 
sweet  spice. 

Galecd,  Gal'-e-ed,  the  heap  of  wit- 
ness. 

Galilee,  G<d'-le-lee,  wheel,  revolu- 
tion, heap. 

Galileans,  Gal-le-lee'-ans,  inhabit- 
ants of  Galilee. 

Gal'lim,  who  heap  up,  cover,  roll. 

Gal'lio,  he  that  sucks  or  lives  upor. 
milk. 


390 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


Gama'liel,  recompense,  camel, 
weaned  of  God. 

Gam'madims,  soldiers  placed  in  the 
towers  of  Tyrus;  men  who  came 
from  Gammade,  a  town  of  Phe- 
nicia. 

Ga'tam,  their  lowing,  their  touch. 

Gath,  a  press. 

Gath-rim'mon,  the  press  of  the 
granite,  exalted  press. 

Ga'za,  strong,  a  goat. 

Ge'ba,  a  hill,  a  cup. 

Ge'hul,  bound,  limit. 

Ge'bim,  grasshoppers,  height. 

Gedaliah,  Ged-a-/y'-ah,  God  is  my 
greatness,  fringe  of  the  Lord. 

Gehazi,  Ge-hay'-zye,  valley  of  sight, 
of  the  breast. 

Gemari'ah,  accomplishment  of  the 
Lord. 

Gennesaret,  G 'en-ness' '-a-ret,  or  Jen- 
nens'-a-ret,  the  garden  or  protec- 
tion of  the  prince. 

Genubath,  Gen'-u-bath,  theft,  gar- 
den or  protection  of  the  daughter. 

Ge'ra,  pilgrimage,  dispute. 

Ge'rah,  the  twentieth  part  of  a  she- 
kel. 

Ge'rar.     See  Gera. 

Gergesenes,  Ger'-ge-«eens,  those  who 
come  from  pilgrimage  or  from 
fight. 

Gerizim,  Ger'-re-zim,  cutters. 

Ger'shom,  a  stranger  there,  a  tra- 
veller of  reputation. 

Ger'shon,  his  banishment,  the 
change  of  pilgrimage. 

Ge'shur,  the  sight  of  the  valley,  the 
vale  of  the  ox  or  the  wall. 

Geshurites,  Gesh'-u-rytes,  inhabit- 
ants of  Geshur. 

Ge'ther,  the  vale  of  trial,  of  search- 
ing, the  press  of  inquiry. 

Gethscmane,  Geth-sem'-a-ne,  a  very 

fat  valley. 
Giah,  ffi/-ah,  to  guide,  draw  out,  a 

sigh. 

Gibeah,  Glb'-e-aJt,  a  hill. 
Gib'eon,   hill,  cup,   that  which   is 

without. 

Gib'eonites,  people  of  Gibeon. 
Gid'eon,   he   that   bruises,  cutting 

off  iniquity. 

Qihon,  Gy'-hon,  valley  of  grace,  im- 
petuous. 


Gilboa,  Gil'-bo-ah,  revolution  of 
inquiry. 

Gilead,  Gil'-le-ad,  the  mass  of  tes- 
mony. 

Gileadites,  Gil'-k-ad-ites,  the  in- 
habitants of  Gilead. 

Gil'gal,  wheel,  revolution,  heap. 

Giloh,  Gy'-loh,  he  that  rejoices, 
overturns. 

Gilonite,  Gy'-lon-ite. 

Girgashite,  Gir'-ga-sJiite,  who  ar- 
rives from  pilgrimage. 

Gittite,  Git'-tite,  a  wine-press. 

Gob,cistern,  grasshopper,  eminence. 

Gog,  roof,  covering. 

Go'lan,  passage,  revolution. 

Gol'gotha,  a  heap  of  skulls. 

Goli'ath,revolution, disco  very  ,heap. 

Go'mer,  to  finish,  accomplish,  a  con- 
sumer. 

Gomor'rah,  a  rebellious  people. 

Go'shen,  approaching,  drawing 
near. 

Go'zan,  fleece,  pasture,  nourishing 
the  body. 

Grecia,  Gree'-sJie-a,  Greece,  th« 
country  of  the  Greeks. 

Grecians,  Gree'-she-ans,  Greeks,  the 
inhabitants  of  Greece. 

Gur,  the  young  of  a  beast,  dwelling, 
fear. 

Gurba'al,  the  whelp  of  the  governor. 

Habakkuk,  Hal'-ak-uk,  he  that  em- 
braces, a  wrestler. 

Hachaliah,  Hak-a-ly'-ah,  who  waits 
for  the  Lord. 

Hachilah,  Hak'-e-lah,  my  trust  is 
in  her. 

Ha'dad,  joy,  noise. 

Hadadezer,  Jfay'-dad-ee'-zer,  the 
beauty  of  assistance. 

Hadad-rimmon,  Hay' -dad-rim' - 
mon,  the  voice  of  height,  the  in- 
vocation of  Riinmon,  a  god  of  the 
Syrians. 

Hadas'sah,  a  myrtle,  joy. 

Hado'ram,  their  beauty,  power, 
praise. 

Hadrach,  Hay'-drak,  point,  joy  of 
tenderness,  your  chamber. 

Hadta'i,  my  defence. 

Ha'gar,  a  stranger,  that  fears. 

Hagarenes,  Hay'-gar-eens,  of  th« 
family  of  Hagar. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS  TEXT-LOOK. 


391 


Hagarites,  Hay' -gar-ites.  See  Ha- 
garenes. 

Haggai,  Hag'-ga-i,  feast,  solemnity. 

Hag'gith,  rejoicing. 

Hak'katan,  little. 

Halleluiah,  Hal-lc-lu,' -yah,  praise 
the  Lord. 

Haui,  hot,  brown. 

TIa'man,  noise,  tumult,  he  that  pre- 
pares. 

Ha''math,  anger,  heat,  a  wall. 

Hammedatha,  Ham-med'-a-thah,  or 
Ham-me-day'-thah,  he  that  trou- 
bles the  law. 

Ha'mon-gog,  the  multitude  of  Gog. 

Ha'mor,  an  ass,  clay,  wine. 

Ha'mul,  godly,  merciful. 

Hamu'tal,  the  shadow  of  his  heat, 
the  heat  of  the  dew. 

Hanameel,  Han-am' -e-el,  or  Han 
am-ee'-el,  grace  or  pity  from  God. 

Hananeel,  Han-un-ee'-el,  mercy  of 
God. 

Hanani,  Han-ay'-ny,  my  grace  or 
mercy. 

Hanani'ah,  grace  or  mercy  of  the 
Lord. 

Han'nah,  gracious,  merciful,  taking 
rest. 

Ha'noch,  dedicated. 

Ha'nun,  gracious,  merciful,  he  that 
rests. 

Ha'ran, mountainous  country, which 
is  enclosed. 

Harbo'nah,  his  destruction  or  dry- 
ness. 

Ha'rod,  astonishment,  fear. 

Harosheth,  Har' -o-shetk,  agricul- 
ture, silence,  vessel  of  earth, 
forest. 

Hashmo'nah,  diligence,  enumera- 
tion, embassy,  present. 

Ha'tach,  ho  that  strikes. 

Havilah,  Hav'-e-lah,  that  suffers 
pain,  brings  forth,  declares  to 
her. 

Havoth-Jair,  Hay'-voth-jay'-ir,  vil- 
lages that  enlighten. 

Hazael,  Haz'-a-el,  that  sees  God. 

Ha/.armaveth,  Hay'-zar-may'-veth, 
court  or  dwelling  of  death. 

Ilazelclponi,  ffay'-zcl-el-po'-iiy, 
shade,  sorrow  of  the  face. 

Ilazeroth,  Haz-ee'-roth,  villages, 
court. 


Ha'zor,  court,  hay. 

He'ber,  one  that  passes   anger. 

He'brews,  descended  from  Hbber. 

He'bron,  society,  friendship,  en- 
chantment. 

Hegai,  or  Hege.  Heg'-a-i,  medita- 
tion, word,  separation. 

He'lam,  their  arm}',  trouble,  or  ex- 
pectation. 

Hel'bon,  milk,  fatness. 

Heldai,  Hel'-  da-i,  or  ffel-day'-i,tho 
world. 

He'li,  ascending,  climbing  up. 

Hel'kath-haz'urim,  the  field  of 
strong  men,  of  rocks. 

He'man,  their  trouble,  their  tumult, 
much. 

Hen,  grace,  quiet. 

Hepher,  Hee'-fer,  a  digger  ordelver. 

Hephzi-bah,  Hef-ze-bah,  my  plea- 
sure. 

Her'mes,  Mercury,  gain,  refuge. 

Hermogenes,  Her-moj'-e-nes,  begot- 
ten of  Mercury,  of  lucre. 

Her'mon,  anathema,  destruction. 

Her'monites,  the  inhabitants  of 
Hermon. 

Herod,  Her' -rod,  the  glory  of  the 
skin. 

Ilerodians,  He-ro' -de-ana. 

Hero'dias,  the  wife  of  Herod. 

Herodion,  He-ro'-de-on,  song  of 
Juno. 

Hesh'bon,  invention,  industry, 
thought,  he  that  hastens  to  un- 
derstand. 

Heth,  trembling,  fear. 

Heth'lon,  fearful  dwelling,  his  cov- 
ering. 

Hezeki'ah,  strong  in  the  Lord. 

Hez'ron,  the  dart  of  joy,  division 
of  the  song. 

Hiddai,  Hid'-da-i,  praise,  cry. 

Hiddekel,  Hid'-de-kel,  a  sharp 
voice. 

Hi'el,  the  life  of  God. 

Hierapolis,  Hi-er-ap'-po-lie,  holy 
city. 

Higgaion,  Hig-gay'-e-on,  medita- 
tion. 

Hilki'ah,  God  is  my  portion,  the 
Lord's  gentleness. 

Hil'lel,  praising  folly,  Lucifer. 

Hin'nom,  there  they  are,  thei» 
riches. 


392 


THE    ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK. 


Hi'ram,  exaltation  of  life,  their 
whiteness,  he  that  destroys. 

Hit'tites,  who  are  broken  or  fear. 

Hi'vites,  wicked,  bad,  wickedness. 

Ho'bab,  favored  and  beloved. 

Ho'bah,  love,  friendship,  secrecy. 

Hog'lah,  his  festival,  his  dance. 

llophni,  Hoff-ni,  he  that  covers, 
my  fist. 

Hor,  who  conceives,  shows. 

Ho'reb,  desert,  destruction,  dry- 
ness. 

Hor-hagidgad,  Hor-ka-gidd'-gad, 
hill  of  felicity. 

Hor'mah,  devoted  to  God,  destruc- 
tion. 

Horonaim,  Hor-o-nay' -im,  anger, 
raging. 

Horonite,  Hor'-o-nyte,  anger,  fury, 
liberty. 

Hosea,  and  Hoshea,  Ho-zee'-a,  and 
Ho-thee'-a,  Saviour. 

Hul,  infirmity,  bringing  forth  chil 
dren. 

Hul'dah,  the  world,  a  prophetess. 

Hur,  liberty,  whiteness,  cavern. 

Hushai,  Hev>'-sha-i,  their  haste, 
sensuality  or  silence. 

Huz'zab,  molten. 

Hymeneus,  Hy-men-ee'-us,  nuptial, 
marriage. 

Ib'har,  election,  he  that  is  chosen. 

Ichabod,  Jk'-a-bod,  where  is  the 
glory? 

Iconium,  [-ko'-ne-um. 

Id'do,  his  hand,  power,  praise,  wit- 
ness. 

Idumea,  Id-ew-mee'-a,  red,  earthy. 

Igdali'a,  the  greatness  of  the  Lord. 

I'jon,  look,  eye,  fountain. 

Illyrieum,  Il-lir'-re-cum,  joy,  re- 
joicing. 

Im'lah,  plenitude,  repletion,  circum- 
cision. 

Imman'uel,  a  name  given  to  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  signifying  God 
with  us. 

Im'rah,  a  rebel,  changing. 

India,  fn'-de-n,  praise,  law. 

Iphedeiah,  If-fe-day'-ah,  or  If-fe- 
dee'-ah,  the  redemption  of  the 
Lord. 

I'ra,  city,   watch,   spoil,  heap   of 


I'rad,  wild  ass,  heap  of  descents, 
of  empire. 

Irijah,  J-ry'-jah,  the  fear,  vision,  or 
protection  of  the  Lord. 

Isaac,  J'-zak,  laughter. 

Isaiah,  I-zay'-yah,  or  I-zay'-ee-ah, 
the  salvation  of  the  Lord. 

Iscah,  Is'-kah,  he  that  anoints,  or 
covers. 

Iscariot,  fs-kar'-re-ot,  is  thought  to 
signify  a  native  of  the  town  of 
Iscarioth. 

Ish'bak,  empty,  forsaken,  aban- 
doned. 

Ishbi-benob,  Ish'-by-bee'-nob,  he 
that  sits  in  the  prophecy,  conver- 
sion. 

Ish-bosheth,  Ish'-bo-theth,  a  man 
of  shame. 

Ishmael.  Inh' -ma-el,  God  who  hears. 

Ishmaelites,  Ish' -ma-el-iten,  the  pos- 
terity of  Ishmael. 

Israel,  h'-ra-el,  a  prince  with  God, 
prevailing  with  God,  that  wres- 
tleth  with  God. 

Israelites,  le'-ra-el-ites,  the  pos- 
terity of  Israel,  or  Jacob. 

Issachar,  h'-ea-kar,  price,  reward. 

Italian,  I-tal'-e-an,  belonging  to 
Italy. 

Italy,  It'-ta-le,  a  Latin  word  that 
has  its  original  from  vituhts.  or 
rim/a,  "a,  calf,"  or  from  a  king 
called  It«lu*. 

Ith'amar,  island  of  the  palm-tree, 
woe  to  the  palm  or  change. 

Ithiel,  Ith'-e-el,  God  with  me,  sign. 

Ithream,  Ith'-re-am,  excellence  of 
the  people. 

Iturea.  It-u-ree'-a,  which  is  guarded, 
a  country  of  mountains. 

I'vah,  iniquity. 

Jaalam,  Jn-ay'-lam,  hidden,  jcung 

man.  kid--. 
Jaazanhi,  Ja-az-a-ny'-ah,  whom  the 

Lord  will  hear,  the  balnnce?,  the 

arms. 

Ja'bal,  which  glides  away  .produces. 
Jab'bok,  evacuation,  dissipation. 
Ja'besh,  dryness,  confusion,  shnme. 
Jabesh-gilead,  Jay'-bevh-gil'-e-ad. 
Ja'bez,  sorrow,  trouble. 
Ja'bin,  he  that  understands,  he  that 

builds. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS  TEXT-BOOK. 


393 


Jabneel,  Jab'-ne-el,  building,  or 
understanding  of  God. 

Jachin,  Jay' -kin,  that  strengthens. 

Ja'cob,  he  that  supplants,  the  heel. 

Ja'el,  he  that  ascends,  a  kid. 

Jah,  the  everlasting  God. 

Ja'haz,  dispute,  going  out  of  the 
Lord. 

Jahaza,  Ja-hay'-za,  the  same  as 
Jahaz. 

Jair,  Jny'-er,  my  light,  who  diffuses 
light. 

Jairus,  Jay'-e-rus,  or  Ja-i'-rus,  is 
enlightened. 

Jiim'bres,  the  sea  with  poverty. 

James,  the  same  as  Jacob. 

Jan'na,  who  speaks,  who  answers, 
affliction. 

Jannes,  Jan'-nez,  the  same  as  Janna. 

Japheth,/oy'-/efA,  persuades,  hand- 
some. 

Japhia,  Ja-fy'-ah,  which  enlight- 
ens, groans. 

Ja'reb,  a  revenger. 

Ja'red,  he  that  descends  or  com- 
mands. 

Ja'sher,  righteous. 

Ja'son.  he  that  cures,  gives  medi- 
cines. 

Ja'van,  that  deceives,  clay. 

Ja'zer,  assistance,  he  that  helps. 

Je'bus,  treads  under  foot,  contemns. 

Jcb'usites,  inhabitants  of  Jebns. 

Jeconi'ah,  preparation  or  steadfast- 
ness of  the  Lord. 

Jeddi'el,  the  knowledge  or  joy  of 
God. 

Jcdidah,  Jed-dy'-dah,  well  beloved, 
amiable. 

Jcdidiah,  Jed-e-dy'-nh,  beloved  of 
the  Lord. 

Jeduthun,  Jed-ew'-thiin,  or  Jed'-ew- 
thiiit,  his  law,  who  gives  praise. 

Jegar-sahadutha,  Je'-gar-»at/-ha- 
dew'-tha,  the  heap  of  witnessing. 

Jehoahaz,  Je-ho-ay'-haz,  the  prize 
or  possession  of  the  Lord. 

Jeho'ash,  the  fire  or  victim  of  the 
Lord. 

Jehoiachin,  Je-finy'-a-kin,  prepara- 
tion or  strength  of  the  Lord. 

Jehniada,  Jp-hny'-a-dah,  knowledge 
of  the  Lord. 

Jehoiakim,./e-^oy'-«-&(»(,  the  resur- 
rection of  the  Lord. 


Jehon'adab.     See  Jonadab. 
Jeho'ram,  exaltation,  rejected  of  the 

Lord. 

Jehosh'aphat,  God  judges. 
Jeho'vah,      the      incommunicable 

name  of  God,  self-existing. 
Jehovah -jireh,</e-/io'-faA-j]y'-rey,the 

Lord  will  see  or  provide,  will  be 

manifested. 

Jeho'vah-nis'si,the  Lord  my  banner. 
Jehovah -shalom,  Je-ho'-vah-ghay'- 

lom,  or  ehal'-lom,  the  Lord  send 

peace. 
Jeho'vah-sham'mah,   the    Lord   is 

there. 
Jeho'vah-tsid'kenu,  the   Lord  our 

righteousness. 

Jehu,  Je'-hew,  he  that  is,  or  exists. 
Jehudijah,  Je-hew'  di-jah,  praise  of 

the  Lord. 

Jemi'ma,  handsome  as  the  day. 
Jephthah,  Jef-thah,  he  that  opens. 
Jephunneh,    Je-fun'-neh,    he    that 

beholds. 

Je'rah,  the  moon,  to  scent  or  smell. 
Jerahmeel,  Je-ram'-me-el,  mercy  or 

love  of  God. 

Jeremi'ah,  grandeur  of  the  Lord. 
Jericho,  Jer'-re-ko,  his  moon,  sweet 

smell. 
Jer'imoth,  eminences,  he  that  fears 

or  rejects  death. 

Jerobo'am,    fighting    against,    in- 
creasing the  people. 
Jerubbaal,  Jer-nb-bny'-al,  he  that 

revenges  the  idol,  let  Baal  defend 

his  cause. 
Jerubbesheth,  Je-ruV '-be-aheth,    let 

the  idol  of  confusion  defend  itself. 
Jeru'salein,  the  vision  or  possession 

of  peace. 

Jeru'sha,  he  that  possesses  the  in- 
heritance, exiled. 

Jeshimon,  Jesh'-e-mon,  solitude,  de- 
solation. 

Jeshua,  Jesli'-u-a,  a  Saviour, 
.leshurun,  Jexh-ew'-run,  upright. 
Jes'se,  to  be,  my  present. 
Jesui,  Jes'-u-i,  who    is    equal,  flat 

country. 
Jesuites,  Jes'-u-ites,  the   posterity 

of  Jesui. 
Je'sus, the  holy  name  Jesus, Saviour, 

who  saveth  his  people  from  thoir 

sins. 


394 


THE    ODD-FELLOWS'    TEXT-BOOK. 


Je'ther,   he   that   excels,  remains, 

searches. 

Jeth'ro,  his  excellence  or  posterity. 
Je'tur,  he  that  keeps,  succession, 

mountainous. 
Je'ush,  devoured,  gnawed  by  the 

moth. 

Jew,  Jews,  so  called  from  Judah. 
Jew'ess,  Jew'ish,  Jew'ry. 
Jez'ebel,  island  of  the  habitation, 

woe  to  the  habitation,  isle  of  the 

dunghill. 
Jezrahiah,  Jez-rn-hy' -ah,  the  Lord 

is  the  east,  the  Lord  arises. 
Jezrcel,  Jez'  -re-el,  or  Jez-ree'-el,  seed 

of  God,  dropping  of  the  friendship 

of  God. 
Jezreelite,  Jez'-re-el-ite,  or  Jez-ree'- 

el-ite,  an  inhabitant  of  Jezreel. 
Jidlaph,  Jid'-laf,  he   that   distils, 

hands  joined. 
Jo'ab,  paternity,  having  a  father, 

voluntary. 
Jo'ah,  who  has  a  brother,  brother 

of  the  Lord. 
Joan'na,  the  grace  or  mercy  of  the 

Lord. 
Jo'ash,  who  despairs,  burns,  is  on 

fire. 
Job,  he  that  weeps,  cries,  or  speaks 

out  of  a  hollow  place. 
Jochebed,     Jok'-ke-bed,     glorious, 

honorable,  a  person  of  merit,  the 

glory  of  the  Lord. 
Jo'el,   that    wills,    commands,    or 

swears. 

Joezer,  Jo-ee'-zer,  he  that  aids. 
Jo'ha,  who  enlivens  and  gives  life. 
Joha'nan,  who  is  liberal  and  grants 

favor. 

John,  the  gift  or  mercy  of  the  Lord. 
Jok'shan,hard,  difficult,  scandalous. 
Jok'tan,  small,  disgust,  weariness, 

dispute. 

Jon'adab,  who  acts  in  good  earnest. 
Jo'nah,  or  Jo'nas,  a  dove,  he  that 

oppresses. 

Jon'athan,  given  to  God. 
Jop'pa,  beauty,  comeliness. 
Jo'ram.  to  cast,  elevated. 
Jor'dan,  the  river  of  judgment,  that 

rejects  judgment,  descent. 
Jo'rim,  he  that  exalts  the  Lord. 
Jo'se,  raised,  who  exists,  or  pardons, 

Saviour. 


Joseph,  Jo'-sef,  increase,  addition, 

Joses,  Jo'-sez.     See  Jose. 

Josh'ua,  the  Lord,  the  Saviour. 

Josi'ah,  the  fire  of  the  Lord. 

Jo'tham,  perfection  of  the  Lord. 

Jubal,  Jew'-bal,  he  that  runs,  he 
that  produces,  a  trumpet. 

Jubilee,  Jew' -be-lee,  a  feast  of  the 
Jews,  every  fiftieth  year;  in  He- 
brew, Jobel,  a  ram's  horn,  or  a 
trumpet  by  which  the  jubilee  year 
was  proclaimed. 

Ju'dah,  the  praise  of  the  Lord. 

Ju'das,  the  name  as  Judah. 

Judea,  Jew-dee'-uh,  country. 

Ju'lia,  downy. 

Ju'lius,  the  same  as  Julia. 

Ju'nia,  from  Juno,  or  from  juventut, 
youth. 

Jupiter,  Jew'-pe-ter,  as  if  it  were/u- 
vans  pater,  the  father  that  helpeth. 

Jus'tus,  upright. 

Kabzeel,  Kab'-zt-el,  the  congrega- 
tion of  God. 

Ka'desh,  holiness. 

Kadesh-barnea,  Kay' -desh-bnr' -ne- 
a,or  fear-nee'-aA.holiness  of  an  in- 
constant son, of  the  corn,  of  purity. 

Kad'miel,  God  of  rising. 

Ke'da,  blackness,  sorrow. 

Kedemah,  Ked'-de-mnh,  Oriental. 

Kedemoth,  Ked' -de-moth,  old  age, 
Orientals. 

Keilah,  Ky'-lah,  she  that  divides 
or  cuts. 

Kemuel,  Kem'-n-cl,  God  is  risen. 

Ke'naz,  this  nest,  lamentation,  pos- 
session. 

Ke'nites,  possession,  lamentation, 
nest. 

Keren-happuch,  Kee' -ren-hap' -puk, 
the  horn  or  child  of  beauty. 

Kerioth,  Ker'-re-oth,  the  cities,  the 
callings. 

Ketura.\i,Ke-tew'-rah,  he  that  burns, 
or  makes  the  incense  to  fume, 
odoriferous. 

Keziah,  Ke-zy'-nh,  superficies,  an- 
gles, cassia. 

Ke'ziz,  end,  extremity. 

Kibroth-hattaavah,  Kib'-roth-lat- 
tny'-a-vah,  the  graves  of  lust. 

Kid'ron,  obscurity,  obscure. 

Kir,  a  city,  a  wall,  a  meeting. 


THE    ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK. 


395 


Kir-haraseth,  Kir-har' '-ra-seth,  the 

city  of  the  sun. 
Kiriathaim,  Kir'-e-ath-ay'-im,  the 

two  cities,  the  callings. 
Kir'jath,    city,    vocation,     lesson, 

meeting. 

Kir'jath-ar'ba,  the  city  of  four. 
Kir'jath-a'rim,  city    of  cities,  the 

city  of  those  that  watch. 
Kir'jath-ba'al,  the  city  of  Baal,  of 

those  that  command,  of  those  that 

possess. 
Kirjath-jearim,  Kir' -jath-je' -a-rim, 

the  city  of  woods. 
Kir'jath-san'nah,  the   city  of  the 

bush,  of  enmity. 
Kirjath-sepher,     Kir1 '-jath-see' '-fer, 

the  city  of  letters,  the  book. 
Kish,  hard,  difficult,  straw. 
Kish'ron,  making    sweet,    perfum- 
ing. 
Kit'tim,    they   that    bruise,    gold, 

coloring. 
Ko'hath,  congregation,  obedience, 

to  make  blunt. 

Kohathites,  Ko'-hath-ites,  the  pos- 
terity of  Kohath. 
Ko'rah,  bald,  frozen. 

La'ban,  white,  shining,  gentle. 

Lachish,  L<ty'-kish,  she  walks,  who 
exists  of  himself. 

La'el,  to  God,  to  the  almighty. 

Lah'mi,  my  bread,  my  war. 

La'ish,  a  lion. 

La'mech,  poor,  made  low,  who  is 
struck. 

Laodicea,  Lay-o-de-see'-a,  just 
people. 

Laodiceans,  Lny-o-dfe-see'-ans,  in- 
habitants of  Laodicea. 

Lapidoth,  Lap' -pe-doth,  enlighten- 
ed, lamps. 

Lazarus,  Laz'-za-rus,  the  help  of 
God. 

Le'ah,  weary,  tired. 

Leb'anon,  white,  incense. 

Lebbeus,£e6-feee'-Hs,aman  of  heart. 

Lehabim,  Le'-ha-bim,  or  Le-hay' - 
him,  flame,  the  points  of  a  sword. 

Le'hi,  jawbone. 

Letn'uel,  God  with  them. 

Le'vi,  who  is  held  and  associated. 

Le'vites,  the  posterity  of  Levi. 

Lib'nah,  Lib'ni,  white,  whiteness. 


Libya,  Lib'-e-a,  in  Hebrew,  Lubin, 

the  heart  of  the  sea. 
Libyans,  Lib'-e-ans,  the  people  of 

Libya. 
Li'nus,  nets. 

Lo-atn'mi,  not  my  people. 
Lo'is,  better. 
Lo-ruhamah,    Lo-ru-hay1 '-mah,  not 

having     obtained      mercy,     not 

pitied. 

Lot,  wrapped  up,  myrrh,  rosin. 
Lu'cas,  luminous. 
Lucifer,  Lu'-se-fer,  bringing  light. 
Lucius,  Lu'-she-us.     See  Lucas. 
Lud,  maturity,  generation. 
Luke.     See  Lucas. 
Luz,  separation,  departure. 
Lycaonia,  Ly-ka-o'-ne-a,  she-wolf. 
Lyd'da,  the  name  of  a  city. 
Lysa'nias,  that  drives  away  sorrow. 
Lys'tra,  that  dissolves  or  disperses. 

Maachah,  Ufay' -a-kah,  to  squeeze. 
Maaseiah,  Ma-a-sy'-ah,   the   work 

of  the  Lord. 

Macedonia,  Mas-se-do'-ne-a,  adora- 
tion, prostration. 
Machir,  May'-kir,  he  that  sells  or 

knows. 

Machpelah,  Mak-pee' '-lah,  double. 
Magdala,  J/a</'-ei!a-£aA,tower,great- 

ncss. 
Magdalene,    Mag-da-le'-ne,   tower, 

grand,  elevated. 
Ma'gog,  roof,  that  dissolves. 
Magor-missabib,  May1 '-gar-mis' -sa- 

bib,  fear,  round  about. 
Mahalaleel,jJ/nr-/ia-/a-Zee'-e£,  he  that 

praises  God. 
Mahalath,  Ma -hay' -lath,  melodious 

song,  infirmity. 
Mahanaim,  Ma-ha-nay'-im,  the  two 

fields  or  armies. 
Maher-shalal-hash-baz,      Mcty'-er- 

shal' -al-hash' -baz,  making  speed 

to  the  spoil. 

Mah'lah,  the  same  as  Mahalath. 
Mah'lon,  song,  infirmity. 
Makkedah,  Mak'-ke-dah,  adoration, 

prostration. 

Malcham,  Mal'-kam,  their  king. 
Malchi-shua,  Mul'-ke-ahew'-ah,  mj 

king  is  a  saviour. 
Malchus,  Mai1 -kus,  king  or  king 

dom. 


396 


THE    ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK. 


Mam'mon,  riches. 

Mam're,  rebellious,  bitter,  that 
changes. 

Manaen,J/an'-a-en,or  Ma-nay' -en,  a 
comforter,  he  that  conducts  them. 

Manas'seh,  forgetfulness,  he  that  is 
forgotten. 

Maned,  Muy'-ned,  a  species  of 
money. 

Manoah,  Ma-no' -ah,  rest,  a  present. 

Ma'on,  house,  crime. 

Ma'ra,  bitterness. 

Ma'rah,  the  same  as  Mara. 

Mar'cus,  polite,  shining. 

Mark,  the  tame  as  Marcus. 

Mars'-hill',  the  place  where  the 
judges  of  Athens  held  their  su- 
preme council. 

Mar'tha,  who  becomes  bitter. 

Ma'ry,  exalted,  bitterness  of  the  sea, 
mistress  of  the  sea. 

Masrekah,  Mas'-re-kah,  whistling, 
hissing. 

Mas'sah,  temptation. 

Mat'ri,  rain,  prison. 

Mat'tan,  the  reins,  the  death  of 
them. 

Mattathias,  Mat-ta-thy'-at,  the  gift 
of  the  Lord. 

Mat'that,  gift,  he  that  gives. 

Matth'ew,  given  a  reward. 

Matthias,  Ma-thy'-at.  See  Matta- 
thias. 

Maz'zaroth,  the  twelve  signs. 

MeMad,  he  that  measures,  the  water 
of  love. 

Me'dan,judgment,process,measure, 
covering. 

Medee,  Jfee'dn,  people  of  Media. 

Media,  Mee'-de-a,  measure,  cover- 
ing, abundance. 

Megiddo,  Me-gid'-do,  that  declares, 
his  precious  fruit. 

Megiddon,  Me-gid'-don,  the  same  an 
Mejriddo. 

Mehetitbel,  Me-het' -ta-ble,  how  good 
is  God! 

Mehujael.  3fe-\ii-/ni/'-el,  who  pro- 
claims God,  God  that  blots  out. 

Melchi,  Mel'-ky,  my  king,  my  coun- 
sel. 

Melclmedek,  Mel-kiz' -ze-dek,  king 
of  righteousness. 

Melita,  Mf-1y'-ta  or  Me-lee'-ta,  af- 
fording honey. 


Memphis,  Nem'-fis,  by  the  mouth. 

Mcmucan,  JUe-mew' -kan,  impover 
ished,  to  prepare,  certain,  true. 

Menahem,  Men'-na-hem,  comforter, 
who  conducts  them. 

Mene,  Mee'ne,  who  reckons,  who  is 
counted. 

Mephiboshetb,  Me-fib'-bo-sheth,  out 
of  my  mouth  proceeds  reproach. 

Me'rab,  he  that  fights,  he  that  mul- 
tiplies. 

Merari,  Me-ray'-ry,  bitter,  to  pro- 
voke. 

Mercu'rius,  a  false  god;  from  the 
Latin  word  mercari,  ''to  buy  or 
sell,"  because  he  presided  over 
merchandise ;  in  Greek,  hermes, 
"orator"  or  "interpreter." 

Merib-baal,  Aler-ib'-ba-al,  or  Mer'- 
ib-b(ty'-al,  rebellion,  he  that  re- 
sists Baal,  and  strives  against  the 
idol. 

Meribah,J/er'-re-6« h, dispute,  quar- 
rel. 

Merodach,  Mer'-ro-dak,  bitter,  con- 
trition; in  Syriac,  the  little 
lord. 

Merodach-baladan,  Mer'-ro-dak- 
bal'-la-dan,  or  ba-lay'-dan,  who 
creates  contrition,  the  son  of 
death,  of  thy  vapor. 

Me'rom,  eminences,  elevations. 

Me'roz,  secret,  leanness. 

Meshach,  Mee'-shak,  that  draws 
with  force,  that  surrounds  the 
waters. 

Meshech,  Mee'-shek,  who  is  drawn 
by  force,  shut  up,  surrounded. 

Meshelemiah,  Mesh-el-e-my' -ah, 
peace,  perfection,  retribution  of 
the  Lord. 

Mesopotamia,  Mes-o-pn-Uiy'-me-a, 
in  Hebrew,  Arainnaharahn,  that 
is,  "  Syria  of  the  two  rivers."  In 
Greek  it  also  signifies  "between 
two  rivers." 

Messiah,  Me-ty'-ah,  anointed. 

Me'theg-am'mah,  the  bridle  of 
bondage. 

Methusael,  ^fe-tf>?w'-8a-el,  who  de- 
mands his  death. 

Methuselah,  Me-thew'-ge-lah,  he  has 
sent  his  death. 

Mi'cah,  poor,  humble,  who  strikes, 
is  there. 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


397 


Micaian,   Ml-kay1 '-e-ah,  who  is  like 

to  God '!  the  lowliness  of  God. 
Michaiah,  My-kay'-e-ah,   Michael, 

My'-ka-el,  the  same  as  Micaiah. 
Michal,  My'-kal,  who  is  it  that  has 

all  ?  who  is  perfect  ? 
Michmash,     Mik'-mash,     he    that 

strikes,  the  poor  taken  away. 
Midian,  J/trf'-rfe-an,judgment,mea- 

sure,  covering. 
Midianites,  Mid'-de-an-ites,  people 

of  Midian. 

Mig'dol,  a  tower,  greatness. 
Mig'ron,    fear,    a   barn,    from    the 

throat. 

Mil'cah,  queen. 
Mil'com,  their  king. 
Miletum,  My -lee'. -turn,  red,  scarlet. 
Mil'lo,  fulness,  repletion. 
Min'ni,  disposed,  reckoned. 
Min'nith,  counted,  prepared. 
Miriam,  Mir' -re-am,  exalted,  bitter- 
ness of  the  sea,  mistress  of  the 

sea. 

Mis'gab,  the  high  fort  or  rock. 
Mishael,  JHish'-a-el,  asked  for,  lent, 

God  takes  away. 
Misrephoth-maim,^/iY-re-/o<&-nu('- 

im,  the  burnings  of  the  waters, 

furnaces  where  metals  are  melted. 
Mitylene,      Mit-e-lee'-ne,      purity, 

press. 

Mi'zar,  little. 
Miz'pah,    a    sentinel,    speculation, 

that  waits  for. 

Miz'peh,  the  same  as  Mizpah. 
Mizraim,  Miz-ray'-im,    tribulation, 

in  straits. 
Mnason,  Nay' -son,  a  diligent  seeker, 

betrothing,  an  exhorter. 
Mo'ab,  of  the  father. 
Moabites,  Mo' -ab-ites,  the  descend- 
ants of  Moab. 
Moladah,   Mol'-a-daK,  or  Mo-lay'- 

dah,  birth,  generation. 
Molech,  Mo'-lek,  king. 
Moloch,  Mo'-lok,  the  same  as  Molech. 
Mordecai,  Mor'-de-cay,  contrition, 

bitter,  bruising;  in  Syriac,  pure 

myrrh. 
Mori'ah,  bitterness  or  fear  of  the 

Lord. 
Mosera,  Mo-see'-ra,  Moseroth,  Mo- 

see'-roth,     erudition,    discipline, 

bond. 

34 


Mo'ses,  taken  out  of  tl  B  water. 

Mu'shi,  he  that  touches,  withdraws 
himself. 

My'ra,  I  flow,  pour  out,  weep. 

Mysia,  Minh'-e-a,  criminal,  abomi- 
nable. 

Naaman,  Na-ny'-man,  beautiful, 
agreeable,  that  prepares  himself 
to  motion. 

Naamathite,  Na-ay' -ma-th'te,  ?f 
Naamath. 

Naashon,  Na-ash'-on,  that  foretells, 
serpent. 

Na'bal,  a  fool,  senseless. 

Na'both,  words,  prophecies,  fruits. 

Na'dab,  free  and  voluntary  gift, 
prince. 

Nagge,  Nay' -gee,  brightness. 

Naharai,  Na-har' -ra-i,  or  Na-Jia- 
ray'-i,  my  nostrils,  hoarse,  hot. 

Nahash,  Nay' -hash,  snake,  one  that 
foretells,  brass. 

Na'hor,  hoarse,  hot,  angry. 

Nahshon,  Nay'-shon.  See  Naashon. 

Na'hum,  comforter,  penitent,  their 
guide. 

Na'in,  beauty,  pleasantness. 

Naioth,  Nay'-e-oth,  beauties,  habi- 
tations. 

Naomi,  Na'-o-my,  beautiful,  agree- 
able. 

Naphish,  Nay' -fish,  the  soul,  he  that 
refreshes  himself,  that  respires; 
in  Syriac,  that  multiplies. 

Naphtali,  N<if-ta-ly,  comparison, 
likeness,  that  fights. 

Narcissus,  Nar-sis'-sus,  astonish- 
ment. 

Na'than,  who  gives,  or  is  given. 

Nathanael,  Na-than'-yel,  the  gift 
of  God. 

Nathan-melech,  Nay' -than-me1 '-lek, 
gift  of  the  king. 

Na'um.     See  Nahum. 

Nazarene,  Naz-a-ree'n,  kept,  flower. 

Nazareth,  Naz'-a-reth,  separated, 
sanctified. 

Neapolis,  Ne-ap'-po-lis,  new  city. 

Nebaioth,  Ne-bay'-yoth,  prophecies, 
fruits. 

Ne'bat,  that  beholds. 

Ne'bo,  that  speaks,  prophesies,  or 
fructifies. 

Nebuchadnezzar,  Neb-ew-kad-net' '• 


398 


THE    ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK. 


ear,  tears  and  groans  of  judg- 
ment. 

Nebuzar-adan,  Neb-eio-zar'-ra-dan, 
fruits  or  prophecies  of  judgment, 
winnowed,  spread. 

Necho,  Nee'-ko,  lame,  who  was 
beaten. 

Nehelamite,  Ne-heV '-a-myte,  dream- 
er, vale,  brook. 

Nehemiah,  A7e-he-my' -ah,  consola- 
tion, repentance,  or  rest  of  the 
Lord. 

Nehiloth,  Ne-hee1 '-loth,  flute,  haut- 
boy, cornet. 

Nehushta,Are-AM«A'-<aA,snake,sooth- 
sayer. 

Nehush'tan,  which  is  of  brass  or 
copper,  a  trifle  of  brass. 

Ner,  lamp,  brightness,  land  new 
tilled. 

Nereus,  Nee'-ree-u».     See  Ner. 

Neri,  Nee'-ry,  my  light. 

Neri'ah,  light  and  lamp  of  the  Lord. 

Nethaneel,  Ne-than' -ne-el.  See  Na- 
thanael. 

Netbania,  Neth-a-ny' -ah,  the  gift 
of  the  Lord. 

Nethinims,  Neth' -e-nims,  given,  of- 
fered. 

Nib'haz,  that  fructifies,  to  prophesy, 
to  speak. 

Nicanor,  Ny-kay'-nor,  a  conqueror, 
victorious. 

Nicodemus,  Nik-o-dee' -mus,  inno- 
cent blood ;  in  Greek,  the  victory 
of  the  people. 

Nicolaitans,  Nik-o-lay'-e-tans,  the 
followers  of  Nicolas. 

Nicolas,  Nik'-o-las,  victor  of  the 
people. 

Nicopolis,  Ny-kop'-po-lis,  the  city 
of  victory. 

Niger,  Ny'-jer,  black. 

Nim'rim,  leopard,  rebellion,  change. 

Nim'rod,rebellious,  sleep  of  descent. 

Nim'shi,  rescued  from  danger,  that 
touches. 

Nineveh,  Nin'-ne-veh,  agreeable 
dwelling. 

Ninevites,  Nin'-ne-vites,  people  of 
Nineveh. 

Ni'san,  banner;  in  Syriac,a miracle. 

Nis'roch,  flight,  standard,  proof. 

No,  a  stirring  up,  a  forbidding. 

Noadi'ah,  witness  of  the  Lord. 


No'ah,  repose,  re?t,  consolation. 
Nob,  discourse,  prophecy. 
No'bah,  that  barks  or  yelps. 
Nod,  vagabond. 
Noph,  X»ff,  honey-comb,  a  sieve, 

that  drops. 

Nun,  son,  posterity,  durable. 
Nymphas,  Nim'-fas,  spouse,  bride- 

groom. 

Obadi'ah,  servant  of  the  Lord. 
O'bal,  inconvenience  of  old  age,  of 

the  flux. 

O'bed,  a  servant. 
O'bed-e'dom,  the  servant  of  Edom, 

the  Idumean,  the  laborer  of  the 

man. 
O'bil,  that  weeps,  deserves    to  be 

bewailed,  ancient. 
Oc'ran,  disturber. 
O'ded,  to  sustain,  to  lift  up. 
Og,  a  cake,  bread  baked  in  the  ashes. 
O'hel,  tent,  tabernacle,  brightness. 
Olympas,  O-lim'-pas,  heavenly. 
O'mar,  he  that  speaks,  bitter. 
Omega,  O-mee'-ga,  the  last  letter  of 

the  Greek  alphabet. 
Om'ri,  a  sheaf  of  corn,  rebellion, 

bitter. 

On,  pain,  force,  iniquity. 
O'nan,  pain,  strength,  iniquity. 
Onesimus,  O-nes'-se-mus,  profitable, 

useful. 
Onesiphorus,  On-ne-sif  '-fo-rus,  who 

brings  profit. 

Ophel,  O'-fel,  tower,  obscurity. 
Ophir,  O'-fir,  ashes. 
Ophrah,  Ojf-rah,  dust,  fawn,  lead. 
O'reb,  a  raven,  caution,  eveniug. 
Orion,  O-ry'-on,  the  name  of  a  con- 

stellation. 
Or'nan,  that  rejoices,  their  bow  or 

ark. 
Or'pah,  the  neck,  skull,  nakedness 

of  the  mouth. 
Oth'ni,  my  time,  my  hour. 
Othniel,  Oth'  -ne-el,  the  hour  of  God. 
O'zem,  that  fasts,  their  eagerness. 
Ozias,  O-zy'-as,  strength  from  the 

Lord. 

Paarai,  Pay'-a-ray,  or   Pay-a'-ry 
opening. 


dan  of  the  field,  and  Aram  Syria 


THE    ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK. 


390 


Pagiel,  Pny'-je-el,  prevention  or 
prayer  of  God. 

Palestina,  Pal-es-ty'-na,  which  is 
covered. 

Pal'ti,  deliverance,  flight. 

Pamphylia,  Pam-fi.l' -le-a,  a  nation 
made  up  of  every  tribe. 

Paphos,  Pay'-fos,  which  boils,  is 
very  hot. 

Pa'ran,  beauty,  glory,  ornament. 

Par'bar,  a  gate  or  building  belong- 
ing to  the  temple. 

Par'menas,  that  abides  and  is  per- 
manent. 

Parosh,  Pay'-rosh,  a  flea,  fruit  of  the 
moth. 


velation  of  corporeal  impurities, 
of  his  trouble. 

Parthians,  Par'-tJie-aiw,  horsemen. 

Paruah,  Pa-rew'-ah,  flourishing, 
that  flies  away. 

Parva'im,  supposed  to  be  Peru  or 
Ceylon. 

Pash'ur,  that  extends  the  hole, 
whiteness. 

Patara,  Pa-tay'-rdh,  which  is  trod- 
den under  foot. 

Pathros,  Path'-ros,  or  Pay'-thros, 
mouthful  of  dew. 

Pat'mos,  mortal. 

Patrobas,Pa<'-ro-icr«,  paternal,  that 
pursues  the  steps  of  his  father. 

Pau,  Pay'+ew,  that  cries  aloud,  ap- 
pears. 

Paul,  Paul'us,  a  worker.  His 
former  name  was  Saul,  a  sepul- 
chre, a  destroyer. 

Pedahzur,  Ped-ha'-zur,  saviour, 
strong  and  powerful,  stone  of 
redemption. 

Pcdaiah,  Ped-ay'-e-ah,  redemption 
of  the  Lord. 

Pe'kah,  he  that  opens,  or  is  at 
liberty. 

Pekahiah,  Pek-a-hy'-ah,  it  is  the 
Lord  that  opens. 

Pe'kod,  noble,  rulers. 

Pelati'ah,  let  the  Lord  deliver. 

Pe'leg,  division. 

Pelethites,  Pel' -eth-ites,  judges,  de- 
stroyers. 

Peniel,  Pe-ny'-el,  face  or  vision  of 
God. 

Penin'nah,  Tecious  stone,  his  face. 


Penu'el.     See  Peniel. 
Peor,  Pee' -or,  hold,  opening. 
Per'ga,  very  earthly. 
Per'gamos,  height,  elevation. 
Perizzites,   Per' -iz-zytes,  the  name 

of  a  people  who  dwell  in  villages. 
Per'sia,    Per'sis,    that    cuts,    nail, 

horseman. 

Pe'ter,  a  rock,  a  stone. 
Pethu'el,  mouth  or  persuasion   of 

God. 

Phalec,  Fay'-lek.     See  Peleg. 
Phallu,  Fal'-lu,  admirable,  hidden. 
Phalti,  Fal'-ty,  deliverance,  flight. 
Phanuel,  Fa-new' -el,  face  or  vision 

of  God. 
Pharaoh,  Fny'-ro,    that   disperses, 

that  discovers. 

Pharez,  Fay'-rez,  division,  rupture. 
Pharpar,  Far'-pnr,  that   produces 

fruits,  fall  of  the  bull. 
Phebe,  Fce'-be,  shining,  pure. 
Phenice,  Fe-ny'-se,  red,  purple. 
Phicol,  Fy'-kol,  the  mouth  of  all, 

perfection. 
Philadelphia,   Fil-a-del' -fe-a,    the 

love  of  a  brother. 
Philemon,  Fil-ee'-mon,  or  Fy-lee'- 

mon,  that  is  affectionate. 
Philetus,  Fil-ee'-tus,  or  Fy-lee'-lus, 

amiable,  beloved. 

Phil'ip,  warlike,  a  lover  of  horses. 
Philippi,  Fil-lip'-pi,    the   game   as 

Philip. 
Philistia,  Fil-W-te-a,  or   Fy-lis'- 

te-a,  the  country  of  the  Philis- 
tines. 
Philistines,  Fil -Us' -tines,  or  Fy-lis'- 

tins,  those  that  dwell  in  villages. 
Philologus,  Fil-lol'-lo-gus,  lover  of 

learning. 

Phinehas,  Fin'-ne-ha*,  a  bold  coun- 
tenance. 

Phlegon,  Fie'  -yon,  zealous,  burning. 
Phrygia,  Frij'-e-a,  dry,  barren. 
Phurah,  Few' -rah,  that  bears  fruit, 

that  grows. 

Phygellus,  Fy-jel'-lus,  fugitive. 
Pi-be'seth,  the  mouth  of  despite. 
Pi-hahiroth,     Py-ha-hi'-roth,     the 

mouth,  the  pass  of  Hiroth,  the 

opening  of  liberty. 
Pi'late,  who  is  armed  with  a  dart. 
Pi'non,  gem,  that  beholds. 
Pirathon,  Pir'-a-thon,  his  dissipa 


400 


THE   ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK 


pation,  deprivation;  in  Syriac, 
his  vengeance. 

Pis'gah,  hill,  eminence,  fortress. 

Pisidia,  Py-sid'-e-a,  pitch,  pitchy. 

Pi'son,  changing,  doubling,  ex- 
tended. 

Pi'thom,  their  mouthful,  bit,  con- 
summation. 

Pi'thon,  his  mouth,  his  persuasion. 

Pol'lux,  a  boxer. 

Pontius,Pon'-«Ae-i(«,marine,belong- 
ing  to  the  sea. 

Pon'tus.  the  sea. 

Poratha,  Por'-a-tha,  fruitful. 

Porcius,  Por'-she-us. 

Potiphar,  Pot'-te-far,  bull  of  Africa, 
fat  bull. 

Poti-pherah,  Pot-if  '-fe-rah,  or  Pot- 
e  fee' -rah  that  scatters  or  demo- 
lishes the  fat. 

Prisca,  Pris'-kah,  ancient 

Priscilla,  Pris-cil'-luh,  the  same  as 
Prison. 

Prochorus,  Prok'-o-rut,  he  that 
presides  over  the  choirs. 

Publius,  Pnb'-le-ug,  common. 

Pudens,  Pew'-dens,  shamefaced. 

Pul,  bean,  destruction. 

Pu'non,  precious  stone,  that  be- 
holds. 

Pur,  lot. 

Puteoli,  Pew-tee' -o-ly,  a  city  in 
Campania. 

Putiel,  Pew'-te-el,  God  is  my  fatness. 

Quar'tus,  the  fourth. 

Raamah,  Ray'-a-mah,  or  Ra-ay'- 
mah,  greatness,  thunder,  evil, 
bruising. 

Raamses,  Ra-am'-se».  See  Rame- 
ses. 

Rab'bah,  powerful,  contentious. 

Rab'mag,  who  overthrows  a  multi- 
tude, chief  of  the  magician;". 

Rab'saris,  grand  master  of  the 
eunuchs. 

Rab'shakeh,  cup-bearer  of  the 
prince,  chamberlain. 

Rachab,  Ray'-kab,  proud,  strong, 
enlarged. 

Ra'chal,  injurious,  perfumer. 

Rachel,  Hay'-tshel,  a  sheep. 

Ragau,  Ray'-gaw,  a  friend,  a  neigh- 
bor. 


Raguel,  Rag-ew'-el,    shepherd      I 

friend  of  God. 

Ra'hab,  proud,  strong,  quarrelsome. 
Ra'hab,large,extended,public  place. 
Rak'kath,  empty,  spittle. 
Rak'kon,  vain,  mountain  of  lamen 

tations. 

Ram,  elevated,  who  rejects. 
Ramah,  Ray'-mah,  the  same  as  Ranc 
Rainath,  Ray' -math,  raised,  lofty. 
Ramathaim-zophim,  Ray-math-ny'- 
'  im-zo'-fim,  the  same  as  Ramah. 
Ra'math-le'hi,  elevation  of  the  jaw- 
bone. 
Rameses,  Ram'-e-ses,    thunder,  he 

that  destroys  evil. 
Ramiah,  Ram-i'-ah,  exaltation  of 

the  Lord. 

Ra'moth,  high  places, 
llapha,  Ray' -fa,  relaxation,  physic. 
Raphael,  Ray-fay' -el.    See  Rephael. 
Raphu,  Ray' -few,  cured,  comforted. 
Re'ba,  the   fourth,  a   square,  that 

stoops. 

Rebek'ah,  fat,  quarrel  appeased. 
Rechab,  Re'-kab,  square,    chariot, 

rider. 

Rechabites,  Re'-kab-ite«,    the  pos- 
terity of  Rechab. 

Regem,  Re'-jem,  that  stones,  purple. 
Regem-melech,   Re-jem'-me-lek,  he 

that  stones  the  king,  the  purple 

of  the  king. 
Rehabi'ah,    breadth,   place  of  the 

Lord. 

Re'hob,  breadth,  extent. 
Rehobo'am,  who  sets  the  people  at 

liberty,  space  of  the  people. 
Reho'both,  spaces,  places. 
Re'hum,  compassionate,  friendly. 
Re'i,  my  shepherd,  companion,  my 

evil. 
Remali'ah,  the   exaltation    of  the 

Lord. 

Rem'mon,  greatness,    a   pomegra- 
nate-tree. 
Remphan.  Rem'-fan,  the  name  of 

an  idol,  which  some  think  to  be 

Saturn. 
Rephael,  Re' -fa-el,  the  medicine  of 

God. 
Rephaim,    Rephaims,    Ke-fa-y'-tm, 

giant,  physician,  relaxed. 
Rephidim,  Ref-e-dim,  beds,  placet 

of  rest. 


THE    ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOR. 


401 


Resin,  Ree'-sen,  a  bridle  or  bit. 

lieu,  Ree'-ew,  his  friend,  his  shep- 
herd. 

Reuben,  Rew'-ben,  who  sees  the  son, 
vision  of  the  son. 

Reu'benites,  the  posterity  of  Reu- 
ben. 

Reuel,  Re-yew'-el,  shepherd  or 
friend  of  God. 

Kemnah,  Re-yew' -mall,  lofty,  sub- 
lime. 

Rezeph,-Ree'-ze/f,  a  pavement,  burn- 
ing coal. 

Re'zin,  voluntary,  runner. 

Re'zon,  lean,  secret,  prince. 

Rhegium,  Ree'-je-um,  rupture,  frac- 
ture. 

Rhesa,  Ree'-sah,  will,  course. 

Rhoda,  Ro'-dah,  a  rose. 

Rhodes,  Ro'-des,  the.  same  as  Rhoda. 

Rib'lah.  quarrel  that  increases  or 
spreads. 

Rim'mon,  exalted,  pomegranate. 

Riphath,  Ry'-fath,  remedy,  release. 

Ris'sah,  watering,  distillation,  dew. 

Riz'pah,  bed,  extension,  coal. 

Rogel,  Ro'-jel,  a  foot;  in  Syriac, 
custom. 

Romamti-ezer,  Ro'-mam-te-ee'-eer, 
exultation  of  help. 

Ro'man,  strong,  powerful. 

Rome,  strength,  power. 

Rosh,  the  head,  the  beginning. 

Ru'fus,  red. 

Ruhamah,  Ru-hay  -mah,  having 
obtained  mercy. 

Ru'mah,  exalted,  rejected. 

Ruth,  filled,  satisfied. 

Sabe'ans,  captivity,  conversion,  old 
age. 

Sabtecha,  Sab'-te-kah,  that  sur- 
rounds. 

Sa'doc,  just,  justified. 

Sa'lah,  mission,  dart;  according  to 
the  Syriac,  that  spoils. 

B&\&mis,Sal' -la-mis,  shaken,  tossed, 
beaten. 

Salathiel,  Sal-ay' -the -el,  I  have 
asked  of  God. 

Sa'lem,  complete,  peace. 

Sa'lim.     See  Shalim. 

Sal'mon,  peaceable,  perfect,  that 
rewards. 

Salmone,  •SViZ-wo'-jte,  peaceable. 


Salome,  Sa-lo'-me.     See  Salmon. 

Samaria,  Sa-may'-re-a,  his  guard, 
prison,  or  diamond;  in  Hebrew, 
Shomeron. 

Samar'itans,  people  of  Samaria. 

Sam'lah,  raiment,  his  left  hand,  hif 
name. 

Sa'mos,  full  of  gravel. 

Sa.vaoihr&ci&,Sam-o-thray'-iihe-a,sin 
island,  so  called  because  it  was 
peopled  by  Samians  and  Thra- 
cians. 

Sam 'son,  his  sun;  according  to  the 
Syriac,  his  service,  here  the  second 
time. 

Sam'uel,  heard  or  asked  of  God. 

Sanbal'lat,  bush  or  enemy  in  secret. 

Saph,  Saff,  rushes,  end,  threshold. 

Saphir,  Saf-fir,  or  Say' -fir,  a  city. 

Sapphira,  Saf-fy'-rah,  that  tells, 
that  writes  books. 

Sa'rah,  lady  princess  of  the  multi- 
tude. 

Sarai,  Say'-ray,  my  lady,  my  prin- 
cess. 

SarMis,  prince  or  song  of  joy,  what 
remains;  in  Syriac,  a  pot  or 
kettle. 

Sarep'ta,  a  goldsmith's  shop,  where 
metals  used  to  be  melted  and  tried. 

Sar'gon,  who  takes  away  protection, 
who  takes  away  the  garden;  ac- 
cording to  the  Syriac,  net,  snares. 

Sa'ron.     See  Sharon. 

Sarsechim,  Sar-see'-kim,  master  of 
the  wardrobe,  of  the  perfumes. 

Saruch,  Say'-ruk,  branch,  layer, 
twining. 

Sa'tan,  contrary,  adversary,,  an 
accuser. 

Saul,  demanded,  sepulchre,  de- 
stroyer. 

Sceva,  See'-vah,  disposed,  prepared. 

Scythian,/SY<&'-e-an,tanner,leather- 
dresser. 

Se'ba,  drunkard,  that  surrounds; 
according  to  the  Syriac,  old  man. 

Se'bat,  twig,  sceptre,  tribe. 

Seoun'dus,  the  second. 

Se'guh,  fortified,  raised. 

Seir>  See'-er,  hairy,  demon,  tempest, 
barley. 

Se'lah,  a  rook. 

Seleuoia,  Se-lew'-she-a,  beaten  by 
waves,  runs  as  a  river. 


34* 


2A 


402 


THE    ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK. 


Semei,  Sein'-me-i,  or  Se-mee'-i,  hear- 
ing, obeying. 

Se'neh,  bush. 

Se'nir,  a  sleeping  candle,  a  chang- 
ing. 

Sennacherib,  Sen-nak'-ker-ib,  bush 
of  the  destruction  of  the  sword, 
of  drought. 

Sephar,  See' -far,  a  book,  scribe;  in 
Syriac,  a  haven. 

Sepharad,  See-fay'-rad,  a  book,  de- 
scending, ruling. 

Sepharvaiin,  Sef-ar-vay'-im,  two 
books,  two  scribes. 

Se'rah,  lady  of  scent,  song,  the 
morning. 

Seraiah,  Se-ra-i'-ah,  or  Se-ray'-yuh, 
prince  of  the  Lord. 

Sergius,  Ser'-je-ni,  a  net. 

Se'rug.     See  Saruch. 

Seth,  put,  who  puts. 

Shaalbim,  Shay-alb' -im,  that  be- 
holds the  hearts. 

Shaaraim,  Shay-a-ray'-im,  gates, 
valuation,  hairs,  barley,  tempests, 
demons. 

Shaashgaz,  Shay-ash' -gaz,  he  that 
presses  the  fleece. 

Shadrach,  Shay'-drak,  tender  nip- 
ple, tender  field. 

Sha'lim,  fox,  fist,  path. 

Shalisha,  Shal'-e-shah,  three,  the 
third,  prince. 

Shal'lecheth,  a  casting  out. 

Shal'lum,  perfect,  peaceable. 

Shal'man,  peaceable,  perfect,  that 
rewards. 

Shalmanezer,  Shal-mn-nee' -zer, 
peace,  tied,  perfection  and  retri- 
bution. 

Sham'gar,  named  a  stranger,  he  is 
here  a  stranger,  surprise  of  the 
stranger. 

Sham'huth,  desolation,  astonish- 
ment. 

Sha'mir,  prison,  bush,  lees. 

Sham'mah,  loss,  desolation,  aston- 
ishment. 

Shammuah,  Sham'-mew-ah,  that  is 
heard  or  obeyed. 

Shaphan,  Shay' -fan,  a  rabbit,  wild 
rat,  their  lip. 

Shaphat.  Shay' -fat,  a  judge. 

Sharai,  Shar'-a-i,  or  Sha-ray'-i,  my 
lord,  my  song. 


Sharezer,  Shar-ee'-zer,  overse.    <. 

the  treasury. 

Sha'ron,  his  plain,  field,  song. 
Sha'shak,  a  bag  of  linen,  the  sixth 

bag. 
Sha'veh,    the    plain    that    makes 

equality. 
Shealtiel,  She-aU -te-el,  I  have  asked 

of  God. 
Sheariah,  She-a-ry'-ah,ga.te  or  tern 

pest  of  the  Lord. 
She'ar-ja'shub,  the  remnant  shall 

return. 
She'ba,  compassing  about,  repose, 

old  age. 
Shebaniah,  Sheb-a-ny'-ah,  the  Lord 

that  converts,  that  recalls  from 

captivity,  that  understands. 
Sheb'na,  who  rests  himself,  who  is 

now  captive. 
Shechem,    Shee'-kem,   portion,    the 

back,  shoulders. 
Shedeur,  Shee'-de-ur,  or  Shed'-e-ur, 

field,  destroyer  of  fire. 
She'lah,  that  breaks,  that  undresses. 
Shelemiah,  Shel-le-my' -ah,  God  is 

my  perfection,  my  happiness. 
Sheleph,  SJne'-lef.  who  draws  out. 
Shel'omith,  my  happiness,  my  re- 
compense. 

Sheluiniel,    Shel-ew-my'-el,    happi- 
ness, retribution  of  God. 
Shem,  name,  renown,  he  that  places. 
Shemaiah,   Shem-a-i'-ah,  or  Shem- 

ay'-y<ih,  that  obeys  the  Lord. 
Shemariah,  Shem-a-ry'-ah,   God  is 

my  guard,  diamond. 
Shemeber,  Shem'-me-ber,  name  of 

force,  fame  of  the  strong. 
Shemer,  Shee'-mer,  guardian,  thorn. 
Shemida,She-my'-da,na.me  of  know- 
ledge, that  puts  knowledge,  the 

science  of  the  heavens. 
Shetninith,      Shem'-me-nith,       the 

eighth. 

Shemiramoth,  She-mir' -ra-moth ,  the 
height  of  the  heavens,  the  eleva- 
tion of  the  name. 
Shen,  tooth,  change,  he  that  sleeps. 
Shenir,  Shee'-iiir,  lantern,  light  that 

sleeps,  he  that  shows. 
Shephatiah,  Shef-a-ty'-ah,  the  Lord 

that  judges. 
Sheshach,  Shee'-shak,  bag  of  flaz, 

the  sixth  bag. 


THE    ODD-FELI  JWS     TEXT-BOOK. 


403 


Sheshbazzar,  Shesh-baz' -zar,  joy  iu 

tribulation,  or  of  vintage. 
Sheth.     See  Seth. 
Shether-boznai,  Shee' -ther-boz' -nai, 

that  makes  to  rot  and  corrupt. 
She'va,   vanity,    elevation,    fame, 

tumult. 
Shibboleth,    Shib'-bo-leth,   burden, 

ear  of  corn. 
Shicron,    Shy'-kron,   drunkenness, 

his  wages. 
Bhiggaion,  Shig-gay'-yon,    a   song 

of  trouble. 

Shigionoth,  Shig-gy' -on-oth, mourn- 
ful music. 

Shiloah,  Shy-lo'-aJi.     See  Siloah. 
Shi'loh,  sent,  the  apostle. 
Shi'loh,  peace,  abundance. 
Shilonite,  Shy' -lo-nyte,  of  the  city 

of  Shiloh. 
Shimeah,  Shim'-me-ah,  that  hears, 

that  obeys. 
Shimei,    Shim'-me-i,    that     hears, 

name  of  the  heap,  my  reputation. 
Shimshai,  Shim' -shay,  my  sun. 
Shinar,  Shy'-nar,  the  watching  of 

him  that   sleeps,  change  of  the 

city. 
Shiphrah,     Shtf-rah,      handsome, 

trumpet,  that  does  good. 
Shi'shag,  present  of  the  bag,  of  the 

pot,  of  the  thigh. 
Shit'tim,  that  turns  away,  scourges, 

rods. 

Sho'a,  tyrants. 

Sho'bab,  returned,  turned  back. 
Sho'bach,  your   bonds,  your  nets, 

his   captivity;    according  to  the 

Syriac,  a  dove-house. 
Shochoh^Ao'-fco^defence,  a  bough. 
Shoshan'nim,   lilies   of    the   testi-  j 

mony. 

Shu'ah,  pit,   humiliation,    medita- 
tion. 

Shu'al,  fox,  hand,  fist,  traces,  way. 
Shu'hite,  a  descendant  of  Shuah. 
Shu'lamite,  peaceful,  perfect,  that 

recompenses. 

Shu'namite,  a  native  of  Shunem. 
Shu'nein,  their  change,  their  sleep. 
Shur,  wall,  ox. 
Shu'shan,  lily,  rose.  joy. 
K  hu'tholah, plant, verdure,  moist  pot. 
Hib'mah,  conversion,  captivity,  old 

age,  rest. 


Sichem,  Sy'-kcm.     See  Shechem. 

Si'don,  hunting,  fishing,  venison. 

Sigionoth,  Kiij-gy' '-o-noth,  according 
to  variable  tunes.  • 

Si'hon,  rooting  out,  conclusion. 

Si'hor,  black,  trouble,  early  in  the 
morn. 

•Si'las,  three,  the  third. 

Siloas,  Sil'-o-as,  or  Sy'-lo-aa,  Silo- 
am,  Sil'-o-am,  or  Sy-lo'-am,  sent, 
dart,  branch. 

Siloe,  Sil'-o-e,  or  Sy-lo'-e,  the  same 
as  Siloas. 

Silva'nus,  one  who  loves  the  woods. 

Sim'eon,  that  hears  or  obeys. 

Si'mon,  that  hears  or  obeys. 

Sin,  bush. 

Sinai,  Sy'-nay,  or  Sy'-nay-i,  bush; 
according  to  the  Syriac,  enmity. 

Si'nim,  the  south  country. 

Si'on,  noise,  tumult. 

Si'rah,  turning  aside,  rebellion. 

Sirion,  Sir'-re-on,  a  breastplate, 
deliverance. 

Sisera,  Sis' -se-rah,  that  sees  a  horse 
or  swallow. 

Si'van,  bush,  thorn. 

Smyr'na,  myrrh. 

So,  a  measure  for  grain  or  dry  mat- 
ters. 

So'coh,  tents,  tabernacles. 

So'di,  my  secret 

Sodom,  Sod'-dom,  their  secret,  their 
lime,  their  cement. 

Sodomites,  Sod' -dom-ites,  inhabit- 
ants of  Sodom. 

Sol'omon,  peaceable,  perfect,  one 
who  recompenses. 

Sopater,  So-puy'-ter,  who  defends 
or  saves  his  father. 

So'rek,  hissing,  a  color  inclining  to 
yellow. 

Sosipater,  So-se-pay'-ter.  See  So- 
pater. 

Sosthenes,  Sos'-the-nes,  a  strong  and 
powerful  saviour. 

Spain,  rare,  precious. 

Staehys,  Stay'-kis,  spike. 

Stephanas,  Stef-fa-nas,  a  crown, 
crowned. 

Ste'phen,  the  same  as  Stephanas. 

Suc'coth,  tents,  tabernacles. 

Suc'coth-be'noth,  the  tabernacles 
of  young  women. 

Suk'kims,  covered,  shadowed. 


404 


THE    ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-COOK. 


Sur,  that  withdraws  or  departs. 
Susan'na,  a  lily,  a  rose,  joy. 
Susi,  Su'-sy,  horse,  swallow,  moth. 
Sychar,  Sy'-kar,  the  name  of  a  city. 
Syene,  Sy-ee'-ne,  bush;    according 

to  the  Syriac,  enmity. 
Syntyche,  Sin'-te-ke,  that  speaks  or 

discourses. 
Syracuse,  Sir'-ra-kewsc,  that  draws 

violently. 
Syria,  Sir'-re-a,  in  Hebrew,  Aram, 

sublime,  deceiving. 
Syriac,  Syrian,  Sir'-re-ak,  Sir'-re- 

an,  of  Syria. 
Syrians,  Sir' -re-ans,  inhabitants  of 

Syria. 
Syro-phenician,     Sy'-ro-fe-nish'-e- 

nn,  purple,  drawn  to. 

Taanach,  Tay'-a-nak,  or  Ta-ay'- 
nak,  who  humbles  or  answers 
thee. 

Tab'bath,  good,  goodness. 

Tabeal,  Tay'-be-al,  or  Tab-ee'-al, 
good  God. 

Tabeel,  Tay'-be-el,  or  Tab-ee'-el,  the 
same  as  Tabeal. 

Taberah,  Tab'-e-rah,  or  Tab-ee'-rah, 
burning. 

Tabitha,  Tab' -e-tha,  in  Syriac,  clear- 
sighted; she  is  also  called  Dorcas, 
wild  goat. 

Ta'bor,  choice;  in  Syriac,  contri- 
tion. 

Tabrimon,  Tab'-re-mon,  good  pome- 
granate. 

Tad'mor,  palm-tree,  change. 

Tahapanes,  Ta-hap'-pa-nes,  secret 
temptation. 

Tahpenes,  Tah'-pe-nes,  standard, 
flight. 

Talitha-cumi,  Tal'-le-tha-kew'-my, 
young  woman  arise. 

Talmai,  Tal'-may,  my  furrow,  heap 
of  waters. 

Ta'mar,  a  palm,  palm-tree. 

Tam'muz,  abstruse,  concealed. 

Tanhumeth,  Tan-hetc'-meth,  or  Tan- 
hu'-meth,  consolation,  repentance. 

Taphath,  Tay'-fath,  little  girl. 

Tar'pelites,  ravishers,  wearied. 

Tar'shish,  contemplation  of  the 
marble. 

Tar'sus,  winged,  feathered. 

Tar'tak,  chained,  bound,  shut  up. 


Tar'tan,  that  searches,  the  gift  jf 
the  turtle. 

Tatnai,  Tat'-nay,  that  gives. 

Te'bah,  murder,  a  cook. 

Te'beth,  the  Babylonish  name  of  the 
tenth  month  of  the  Hebrews. 

Te'kel,  weight. 

Tekoa,  Te-ko'-ah,  sound  of  the 
trumpet. 

Tel 'H bid,  a  heap  of  new  grain. 

Tel-harsa,  Tel-liar' -sah,  heap,  sus- 
pension of  the  plough  or  of  the 
head. 

Te'lieth,  goodness. 

Tel-melah,  Tel'  -me-lah,  or  Tel- 
mee'-lah,  heap  of  salt  or  of  mari- 
ners. 

Te'ma,  admiration,  perfection. 

Te'man,  the  south,  Africa. 

Te'manite,  an  inhabitant  of  Teman. 

Te'rah,  to  breathe,  to  scent,  to  blow. 

Teraphim,  Ter'-a-Jim,  an  image,  an 
idol. 

Tertius,  Ter'-she-us,  the  third. 

Tertul'lus,  a  liar,  an  impostor. 

Tetrarch,  Tet'-rark,  or  Tee' -trark, 
governor  of  a  fourth  part  of  a 
kingdom. 

Thaddeus,  Thad-dee'-us,  that 
praises. 

Th.i'hash,  that  makes  haste,  or 
keeps  silence. 

Tha'mah,  that  blots  out  or  sup- 
presses. 

Tha'mar.     See  Tamar. 

Tham'muz.     See  Tainmuz. 

The'bez,  muddy,  silk. 

Thelasar,  The-lass'-ar,t}ia.t  unbinds 
and  grants  the  suspension  or 
heap. 

Theophilus,  The-of-fe-lug,  a  friend 
of  God. 

Thessalonica,  Thes-aa-lo-ny'-kaJi, 
victory  against  the  Thessalians. 

Theudas, Thew'-das,  afalsc  teacher. 

Thomas,  Tom'-mas,  a  twin. 

Thum'mim,  truth,  perfection. 

Thyatira,  Thy-a-ty'-rah,  a  sweet 
savor  of  labor,  or  sacrifice  of  con- 
trition. 

Tiberias,  Ti-bec'-re-as,  good  vision. 

Tiberius,  Ti-bee'-re-its,  son  of  Tiber 

Tib'ni,  straw,  undertaking. 

Ti'dal,  that  breaks  the  yoke. 

Tiglath-pileser,  Tig'-lath-pi-lcv'-ser 


THE  ODD-FELLOWS'  TEXT-BOOK. 


405 


that  takes  away  captivity,  mira- 
culous. 

Tik'vah,  hope,  a  congregation. 

Thoeus,  Ti-mes'-us,  in  Greek,  per- 
fect, honorable;  in  Hebrew,  ad- 
mirable. 

Tim'nath,  image,  enumeration. 

Timnath-heres,  Tim'-nath-hee'-ret, 
image  of  the  dumb. 

Ti'mon,  honorable,  worthy. 

Timo'theus,  honor  of  God,  valued 
of  God. 

Tiphsah,7V/r-*a^,passage,passover. 

Tirhakah,  Tir' -hay-lcah,  or  Tir'-ha- 
kah,  inquirer,  law  made  dull. 

Tirshatha,  Tir-shay'-tha,  that  over- 
turns the  foundation  ;  in  Syriac, 
that  beholds  the  time. 

Tir'zah,  benevolent,  pleasant. 

Tish'bite,  that  makes  captives,  that 
dwells. 

Ti'tus,  honorable. 

To'ah,  a  weapon. 

Tob,  good,  goodness. 

Tob-adonijah,  Tob'-ad-o-ny'-jah, 
my  good  God. 

Tobi'ah,  the  Lord  is  good. 

To'garmah.which  is  all  bonc.strong. 

To'hu,  that  lives  or  declares. 

Toi,  To'-i,  who  wanders. 

To' la,  worm,  scarlet. 

To'lad,  nativity. 

Tophel,  To'-fel,  ruin,  folly,  insipid. 

Tophet,  To'-fet,  a  drum,  betraying. 

Tro'as,  penetrated. 

Trogyllium,  Tro-jil'-le-um,  a  city 
in  the  isle  of  Sainos. 

Trophimus,  Trof  -fe-mus,  well  edu- 
cated. 

Tryphena,  Try-fee' -nah,  delicate. 

Trypho'sa,  thrice  shining. 

Tu'bal,  the  earth,  confusion. 

Tu'bal-ca'in,  worldly  possession, 
jealous  of  confusion. 

Tychicus,  Tik'-e-cus,  casual,  hap- 
pening. 

Tyran'nus,  a  prince,  one  that  reigns. 

Tyre,  Ty'rus,  in  Hebrew,  Sor,  or 
T»uf,  strength. 

Ucal,.  Yew'-kal,  power,  prevalency. 
Ulai,  Yew'-la-i,or  Yew-lay', strength. 
Ulam,  Yew' -lam,  the  porch,  their 

strength. 
Ul'la,  elevation,  holocaust,  leaf. 


Un'ni,  poor,  afflicted. 

Uphaz,  Yeio'-faz,  gold  of  Phasia  oi 
Pison. 

Ur,  fire,  light. 

Urba'nus,  civil,  courteous. 

Uri,  Yew'-ri,  my  light  or  fire. 

Uriah,  Urijah,  Yew-ry'-ah,  Yew-ry'- 
jnh,  the  Lord  is  my  light  or  fire. 

TJri'el,  God  is  my  light  or  fire. 

Urim  and  Thummim,  Yew'-rim  and 
Thum'-mim,  lights  and  perfection. 

Uz,  counsel;  in  Syriac,  to  fix. 

Uz'zah,  strength,  a  goat. 

Uzzen-sherah,  Uz'-zen-shee'-rah,  ear 
of  the  flesh  or  of  the  parent. 

Uz'zi,  my  strength,  my  kid. 

Uzzi'ah,  the  strength  of  the  Lord. 

Uzzi'el,  the  strength  of  God. 

Uzzielites,  Uz-zy' -el-ites,  the  pos- 
terity of  Uzziel. 

Vash'ni,  the  second. 
Vash'ti,  that  drinks,  thread. 
Vophsi,  Vof-si,  fragment,  diminu- 
tion. 

Zaana'nim,  movings. 

Za'bad,  a  dowry. 

Zab'di,  portion,  dowry. 

Zaccheus,.2TaA'-/:ee'-«s,pure,justified. 

Zachari'ah,  memory  of  the  Lord. 

Za'dok,  just,  justified. 

Za'ham,  crime,  impurity. 

Zair,  Zay'-ir,  little,  afflicted. 

Zal'mon,  his  shade,  obscurity. 

Zalmo'nah,  the  shade,  your  image. 

Zalmun'na,  shadow,  image. 

Zamzum'mims,  thinking,  wicked- 
ness. 

Zano'ah,  forgetfulness,  this  rest. 

Zaphnath-paaneah,  Zaf  '-nath-pay • 
a-nee'-nh,  one  that  discovers  hid- 
den things;  in  the  Egyptian 
tongue,  a  saviour  of  the  world. 

Za'rah,  east,  brightness. 

Zarephath,  Zar'-re-fath,  ambush  of 
the  mouth. 

Zare'tan,  tribulation,  perplexity. 

Za'za,  belonging  to  all ;  in  Syriac, 
going  back. 

Zebadi'ah,  portion  of  the  Lord. 

Ze'bah,  victim,  immolation. 

Zeb'edee,  abundant  portion. 

Zebo'im,  deer,  goats. 

Ze'bul,  a  habitation. 


406 


THE    ODD-FELLOWS     TEXT-BOOK. 


Zeb'ulun,  dwelling,  habitation. 

Zechari'ah.     See  Zachariah. 

Ze'dad,  his  side,  his  hunting. 

Zedeki'ah,  the  Lord  is  my  justice. 

Zeeb,  Zee'-eb,  wolf. 

Ze'lek,  the  noise  of  him  that  licks 
or  laps. 

Zelophehad,  Ze-lo' -fe-ad,  the  shade 
or  tingling  of  fear. 

Zelotes,  Ze'-lo-tes,  jealous,  full  of 
zeal. 

Zel'zah,  noontide. 

Ze'nas,  living. 

Zephani'ah,  the  Lord  is  my  secret, 
the  mouth  of  the  Lord. 

Zephath,  Zee'-fath,  which  beholds, 
attends. 

Ze'pho,  that  sees  and  observes. 

Zer,  perplexity,  tribulation,  a  rock. 

Zo'rah.     See  Zarah. 

Zeredah,  Zer'-e-duh,  or  Ze-ree' -dah, 
ambush. 

Ze'resh,  misery,  stranger. 

Ze'ror,  root,  that  straitens,  a  stone. 

Zeru'ah,  leprous,  hornet. 

Zerubbabel,  Ze-rub' -ba-bel,  banish- 
ed, a  stranger  at  Babylon,  disper- 
sion of  confusion. 

Zeruiah,  Zer-ew-i'-ah,  pain,  tribu- 
lation. 

Ze'than,  their  olive. 

Ze'thar,he  that  ex  amines  or  beholds. 

Zi'ba,  army,  fight,  strength,  stag. 

Zib'eon,  iniquity  that  dwells,  the 
seventh. 

Zib'iah,  deer,  goat,  honorable  and 
fine. 

Zichri,  Zic'-ri,  that  remembers,  a 
male. 

Zid'dim,  huntings;  in  Syriac,  de- 
structions. 

Zi'don,  hunting,  fishing,  venison. 

Zido'nians,  inhabitants  of  Zidon. 


Zif,  this,  that;  according  to  the 
Syriac,  brightness. 

Zik'lag,  measure  pressed  down. 

Zil'lah,  shadow,  which  is  roasted, 
the  tingling  of  the  ear. 

Zil'pah,  distillation,  contempt  of 
the  mouth. 

Zim'ran,  song,  singer,  vine. 

Zim'ri,  my  field,  my  vine,rny  branch. 

Zin,  buckler,  coldness. 

Zi'on,  a  monument,  sepulchre,  tur- 
ret. 

Zi'or,  ship  of  him  that  watches 
ship  of  the  enemy. 

Ziph,  Ziff,  this  mouth,  mouthful. 

Zip'por,  bird,  crown;  according  to 
the  Syriac,  early  in  the  morning 
goat. 

Zip'porah,  beauty,  trumpet. 

Zith'ri,  to  hide,  overturned. 

Ziz,  flower,  a  lock  of  hair;  accord- 
ing to  the  Syriac,  wing,  feather. 

Zi'za.     See  Zaza. 

Zo'an,  motion. 

Zo'ar,  little,  small. 

Zo'bar,  an  army,  a  swelling. 

Zo'har,  white,  shining,  dryness 

Zohe'leth,  that  creeps  or  draws. 

Zophar^o'-^iar,  rising  early,  TO  wn ; 
in  Syriac,  sparrow,  goat. 

Zo'rah,  leprosy,  scab. 

Zorobabel,  Zo-rob' -ba-bel.  See  Ze- 
rubbabel. 

Zuar,  Zew'-ar,  small. 

Zuph,  that  observes,  roof. 

Zur,  stone,  plan,  form. 

Zuri'el,  the  rock  or  strength  of  God. 

Zurishad(La,\,Zew'-ry-ghad'-da-i.tht 
Almighty  is  my  rock,  splendor, 
beauty. 

Zu'zims,  the  posts  of  a  door,  splen- 
dor ;  in  Syriac,  departing,  money ; 
in  Chaldee,  strong. 


THE    END. 


